The Tairona gold jewelry constitutes some of the
most beautiful, intricate and exciting of all Pre-
Columbian gold works of art. Tairona goldsmiths
used the lost-wax casting technique. However,
the objects were not made in repetitive series;
rather, each mold was a unique individual
creation and often very elaborate. Their jewelry
was made for long term use; and diadems, nose
ornaments and necklaces often show signs of
wear and abrasion. Gold played an important
role not only as attractive ornaments, but also as
ritual devices and outward signs of prestige.
This gorgeous nose-ring is in the 'butterfly' style
typical of the region. These rings were
intentionally designed to distort or alter the face
and make the mouth area a different shape and
color, possibly signifying the jaguar-man. This
explains why it is so large and heavy. The inner
part is divided in the center by an indentation
bordered by two double bands on both sides.
This forms the connection for the lovely spiral
curves; beginning as small ones at the base,
shooting straight along the sides ending in large
spirals at the upper corners. Though this nose
ring had a practical purpose strange to us, the
object itself as pure art transcends practicality to
become something pure and delicate--like the
wings of a butterfly.
- (FJ.6201)
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