Colombia, Tayronas Culture, 800 - 1200 Ad. Large Representation Of A Ceramic Shaman

Origin: Colombia
Culture: Tayronas
Period: 800 - 1200 AD
Dimensions: 20.2 x 16.7 cm
Condition: Small minor accidents, traces of manganese oxides
Provenance: Private extra-European collection

Rare representation of a shaman in brown-orange ceramic. He is depicted seated on a curved stool, holding a large offering cup in his right hand. The arms are pressed against the elongated body, the hands resting on the knees. It is adorned with a belt as well as rows of bracelets at the wrists and around the knees and a large double-row necklace with a central ornament. The face is characterized by small coffee bean eyes framing a long nose overhanging a smiling mouth. The sleek, helmet-shaped hairstyle reveals rich ear embellishments falling to the shoulders on either side. One will note here the use of the techniques of the pastillage which one finds in good number of cultures of Mesoamerica.

The Tayronas culture flourished in the high coastal massifs and the coastal plain of northern Colombia from the 6th century AD. It is characterized by It is characterized by a stone architecture, a silversmith in tumbaga (an alloy of gold and copper), ornaments in polished stone and red pottery on a cream or monochrome background. Lost wax-cast goldsmith's objects suggest the existence of exchanges with neighboring cultures Sinú and San Jorge. Exchanges were also made with Mesoamerica, in particular Costa Rica.

A certificate of expertise from Mrs. Bénédicte Hamard, Expert Consultant in Pre-Columbian Art, will be given on request.