Stylistically this pendant is very similar to those
found in the Calima region. They show a male
figure dressed for a ritual ceremony carrying
staffs or scepters. The difference in the Sinu
style is seen in the distinctive detailing of the
enormous nose ring, with its checkerboard
pattern and five spirals on each side. It is like
wings of a great bird, waving in and out, then
curling straight upwards in dramatic flight. An
interesting feature is the man's nose actually
reaches over the edge of the band, with two
nostril holes clearly seen. This probably
represents deformation done for ritual purposes.
The nose ring is so large it nearly hides the
beautiful ear spools made of coils attached to
large segmented circles. In addition, he wears a
magnificent headdress composed of five
distinctive bands rising to a flared rim. Most
significantly, in terms of the pendants 'purpose,'
are the wonderful staffs; each with a double
banded ring and bulbous end. These may be a
type of musical instrument containing rattles.
The figure is most likely a shaman (priest),
shown in ritual regalia during a religious
ceremony. Such figural pendants buried in elite
tombs were probably intended to represent the
deceased during his most impressive role on
earth. As such, it gives us a chance to see what
splendor and magic existed centuries ago,
preserved forever in gorgeous gold.
261.5 grams
- (FJ.6237)
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