Page 639 - Art In The Age Of Exploration (Great Section on Chinese Art Ming Dynasty)

544

MALE FIGURE WITH LARGE HEADDRESS
Muisca
cast gold
3
7
15 x 6 ($ /s x 2 /s)
Museo del Oro, Banco de la Republica, Bogota

This obviously important personage, who also
wears necklaces of gold beads crossed on his chest,
carries a spear-thrower, a scepter, and a vessel
adorned with two birds. The goldsmith has
specifically emphasized the figure's genitals.
C.P.

some of the scenes and their elaborate attire indi-
cate their important position in Muisca society.
Muisca leaders inherited power through maternal
lineage and lived in the homes of their maternal
uncles.
In her left hand this figure carries a stick with a
bird at the end, a device used for extracting lime
from a lime flask, used in coca chewing. C.P.

546

WOMAN HOLDING A SCEPTER
545 Muisca

WOMAN WITH COMPLEX HEADDRESS cast gold
2
l
19.2 X 6.5 (j /2 X 2 /2J
Muisca
cast gold Museo del Oro, Banco de la Republica, Bogota
5
15.9x6.6 (6V 4x2 / 8)
This figure, found at the border between the
Museo del Oro, Banco de la Republica, Bogota
Muisca region and the eastern plains, holds a
scepter in her left hand and has tiny bundles on
Representations of the female figure are common her shoulders. Fringes are repeated in her head-
among Muisca votive offerings. Their size in band and skirt. C.P.
638 CIRCA 1492