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Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
Ornament
Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
© Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami. All rights reserved.

Ornament

Artist/Maker Tairona Colombia
Date500-1550
CultureTairona
Mediumgold alloy
DimensionsOverall: 7/8 × 7/8 × 1/8 in. (2.2 × 2.2 × 0.3 cm)
ClassificationsCostumes and Accessories
Credit LineGift of Sylvia Coppersmith in memory of Dora Coppersmith
Terms
    Object number86.0085
    On View
    Not on view
    Collections
    • Art of the Ancient Americas
    DescriptionThe Tairona combined technical skill with mythology to produce finely detailed miniature objects which were traded to the Muiscas for emeralds. The favorite metal was a gold and copper alloy called tumbaga (20% copper and 80% gold) which is harder and more durable than its constituent parts making it easier to work by alternate hammering and annealing (Bray 1978:12). Forms unique to the Tairona included anchor-shaped finials or pendants, cylinder-shaped lip plugs, and jewelry components which combined human and birds characteristics. This piece appears to represent a celestial creature composed of serpent heads with bifurcated tongues.
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Funerary Mask
    Lambayeque-Sicán
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    Pendant
    Maya (archaeological culture)
    ca. 600-900
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    False Face from Mummy Bundle
    Chancay
    1200-1450
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    Ornament
    Diquis
    ca. 700-1550
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    Jar
    Tairona
    500-1550
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    Bowl
    early 18th century
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    Stirrup Spout Bottle
    Chavín
    1000-200 BCE
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    Face Mask
    Lwalu people
    not dated
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    Bottle
    Moche
    100-800
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    Double-spout Vessel
    Gran Coclé
    ca. 700-1000
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    Ethiopia
    David Park
    1959
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Modular Painting with Four Panels #5
    Roy Lichtenstein
    1969
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