Name: Tumaco-Tolita standing figure
What it is: A gold sculpture of a person
Where it is from: Colombia-Ecuador border
When it was made: A.D. 1 to 300
About two thousand years ago, the Tumaco-Tolita culture thrived along what we now call the northern Pacific Coast of South America. They were talented metalworkers but left no written records. However, they gifted us this captivating gold statue, which stands as a rare example of their artistry.
This figure, about 9 inches tall, once had feet attached with gold wire and held accessories that have now disappeared, leaving only a nose ornament. This suggests it may have worn a headdress during rituals, according to the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
The statue dates from between A.D. 1 and 300 and comes from the rich waters of the Cayapas River delta, a region abundant in gold and platinum. The Tumaco-Tolita civilization, known in Colombia as Tumaco culture and in Ecuador as Tolita culture, created large plazas surrounded by villages. They built earthen mounds that served as homes and burial sites for their elite members. Met researcher Hugo Ikehara-Tsukayama notes that the area’s geography contributed to their thriving metalwork tradition, which spanned 200 B.C. to A.D. 400, highlighting their influence and extensive trade networks.
This gold figure likely represents a woman, as female sculptures typically feature markings like nipples, while male sculptures do not. Ikehara-Tsukayama points out that the lack of a skirt makes its gender ambiguous.
Interestingly, the figure showcases a uniquely flattened head, a practice known as cranial vault modification. This method involved altering the shape of a baby’s skull, which might have indicated their high social status.
In addition to this figure, similar metal and clay sculptures have been found in Tumaco-Tolita settlements and graves, although their purposes remain a mystery. By A.D. 500, archaeological evidence suggests that the La Tolita area was abandoned, leading to the dispersal of the Tumaco-Tolita people.
However, their legacy lived on. Historical accounts indicate that Tumaco-Tolita artifacts survived as heirlooms into the 16th century. Spanish conquistadors noted the delicate gold and platinum-plated jewelry worn by the Indigenous people, leaving a record of their craftsmanship and creativity.
In today’s world, this figure serves not only as a glimpse into a sophisticated culture but also as a reminder of the rich history that shaped the Americas long before European contact.
Check out this related article: Stunningly Crafted Sandwich Home Hits the Market for Just $699,900 – Discover Your Dream Home Today!
Source link