The gold work of Tierradentro displays
iconography very similar to stone sculpture of
San Agustin. It is, in fact, from the southern part
of Colombia many masks were found. This
wonderful mask is distinctive of the Tierradentro
region, whose goldsmiths are famous for
producing images that are very realistic and
expressive. The ornamentation of the headdress
is composed of a simple S-shape pattern; five in
a series left to right, then in reverse for another
five. This gives the effect of being a crown. The
design on each side of the face also contains an
elongated S, reaching above the eyebrows and
curling around the corners of both eyes before
ending in the middle of the cheeks. A series of
four circles with holes and a triangle with three
pinprick indentations completes the facial
decoration. This may represent ritual
scarification. The face itself appears to be that
of a male, possibly a warrior or chief. A loop at
the back shows the mask was worn; perhaps by
the person it depicts, or a respected ancestor.
With great skill a highly talented goldsmith has
created an image of someone who lived centuries
ago, brought to light again in all his
glory.....trudy
- (FJ.6271)
|
