Votive offering "tunjo" ·  Colombia, Muisca · ID: 3038466

Description

gold-copper alloy “tumbaga” (?), in shape of a warrior with tapering legs, reed-like bent arms, one hand clasping an axe, solely adorned with a headdress and jewelry, filigree work;
“tunjos” were placed by Muisca people across their territory, under special landmarks such as rocks and trees, and in caves, rivers and lakes - places believed to be gateways to different worlds. “Tunjos” depict male and female figures, animals, as well as groups and scenes, all providing a window into Muisca life and rituals. They were not objects of beauty to be admired, but their imagery and the metal itself were important in communicating with the supernatural. Aside of pure gold the Muisca used the “tumbaga” technique with a mixture of gold and copper for the making of their pieces of ornament, especially the “tunjo” figures.

The object Votive offering “tunjo” with the object ID 3038466 was last part of the auction 79th Tribal Art Auction at March 21, 2015 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house. The object with the lot number 78 achieved a sales price of EUR 4,000.

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