Miriam Haskell Pre-Columbian Tumbaga Cacique Chieftain Headgear Scepter Pendant

Lost-Wax Casting depicting Pre-Columbian Tairona Culture Gold Masked Figure. Approximately 2". Inca inspired. Attributed to Miriam Haskell 1940's - unsigned. This type of artwork was crafted by the Tairona people of Columbia between the 10th and 16th century. It is made of Tumbaga, a cast alloy typically composed of gold, copper and silver. Pre-Columbian art with this design originated in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta region in northern Columbia. The Tairona were as skilled in agriculture as they were in metallurgy. Caciques typically depict high ranking individuals, such as rulers or shamans, in a state of spiritual transformation. Pre-Columbian Tumbaga Cacique pendants are highly detailed, hollow gold-copper alloy figures (often 1–6 inches) from the Tairona culture of Colombia (ca. 900–1600 CE), created using lost-wax casting. They represent powerful shamans or leaders wearing elaborate,, "flamboyant" headdresses, avian, and crocodile features, characterized by large birds on the front and detailed sidepieces.