Pectoral of the Jaguar Golden Man Quimbaya

Pectoral of the Jaguar

Golden Man Quimbaya

The Pectoral de Tolima a breastplate from the Tolima culture is a pre-Hispanic artifact of gold and copper alloy from Colombia. It represents pre-Hispanic art reflecting the beliefs and intricacies of the local culture its geometric human-like form features complex decorative lines and a blend of human figures. It also depicts hunting and fishing. Dating back to approximately 1000 BC – 1200 AD.

It is particularly notable for its exquisite gold art such as the 433 gold artifacts discovered in 1890. Quimbaya's gold art is considered among the most beautiful and advanced in South America, often featuring small sculptures most of which are now housed in the Museo de América in Madrid Spain and the Museo del Oro Gold Museum in Bogotá Colombia the sculptures exhibit high symmetry with the right and left sides mirroring each other.

A gold vessel used to hold lime made from burning scallops chewed with coca leaves in rituals is also noteworthy the pre-Columbian civilization that flourished in the Gaaga River Valley the Quimbayan culture in addition to gold also produced unique pottery often using geometric shapes and human and animal figures. It was an agricultural society that cultivated maize sweet potatoes and various fruits.