National Museum of Natural History
The Spirit of Ancient Colombian Gold
November 9, 2005 – April 9, 2006
On view are over 280 gold items dating between 500 B.C. and 1600 A.D. that reflect the diverse regional and cultural traditions of the indigenous people of the area that is now Colombia. Objects on view include tiny religious animal-like figures, funerary masks, and decorative nose rings. Also on view are a number of pieces in tumbaga, an alloy of gold and copper, which was highly valued by many cultures for its rarity and durability. Objects are on loan from the Museo del Oro in Colombia.
