Pre-Columbian, Colombia, Guatavita Lake region, Muisca culture, ca. 1000 to 1550 CE. A wonderful set of 3 abstract anthropomorphic figures known as tunjos, formed via the lost wax (cire perdue) process from tumbaga of a rather high 56-59% gold content. Each planar figure presents with sinuous legs attached to an inverted triangular backing and with arms curving up atop their chests. In their hands one figure grasps a petite ring, one holds a short staff, and the last handles a petite bowl. Each ovoid head bears bean-shaped eyes, a slender nose, spiralized ears, and a semicircular brow. Layers of matte patina cover each figure and create an opulent presentation. Size of largest: 0.5" W x 1.6" H (1.3 cm x 4.1 cm); quality of tumbaga: 56-59% gold, 26-28% copper, 13-14% silver; total weight: 7.2 grams

For a similar example made from pure gold, please see The Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number 1979.206.530

Provenance: private Ventura, California, USA collection, acquired through descent; ex-private Ventura, California, USA collection, acquired at auction and from private collections from 1965 to 1970

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#164151

Each figure has small area of loss to bottom of planar backing as shown. Each figure has light encrustations along obverse sides and within some recessed areas. Lovely matte patina throughout.