Tolima jewelry comprises highly stylized figures
in zoomorphic and anthropomorphic forms. They
are extremely geometric, beautifully symmetrical
and expertly balanced. The types fall into two
basic configurations: one in which the pendant
has a 'winged' body, the other in which the body
features splayed arms and legs.
This particular pendant falls into the former
group, showing a figure that is like a bird
preparing to take flight. The wings or arms are
composed of ridges at the bottom simulating
feathers, and slashes in the center very cleverly
giving the impression of beautiful plumes. The
main body is ornamented with fork-like
extensions and two pairs of simple horizontal
bands at top and bottom. From this complexity,
the body continues into the pure simplicity of a
horizontal bar delicately curved at each end. This
elegant shape is wonderfully contrasted with the
highly elaborate headdress, so vivid and
resplendent as if it were made of dozens of
multi-colored feathers. The figure's face, though
essentially abstract, is very expressive and
human in feeling. It may in fact be a mask worn
by a priest during a ritual ceremony involving a
bird costume; depicted here with flair and
imagination by a superb artist in the brilliant
medium of gold.
- (FJ.6239)
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