**Originally Listed At $300**

Columbian, Colombia, Tairona, ca. 1000 to 1500 CE. A large tumbaga nose ornament with wing like panels to the sides, worn by inserting the ends of the central opening into the nostrils to rest on their septum. The hammered wings might symbolize winged creatures such as butterflies and may have completely covered the wearer's mouth. Although gold was not a form of currency in Pre-Columbian South America, it had great symbolic power, used by elites in life and in death to demonstrate their place in society, the brilliant sheen served as a metaphor for the sun, regarded as a source of both light and life. A prominent nose ornament would certainly mark the wearer as an elite member of society- this tumbaga has a lustrous yellow gold layer on one side that was probably achieved through a depletion gilding technique. Size of ornament: 4.2" L x 1.75" W (10.7 cm x 4.4 cm); case: 6.2" L x 5.2" W (15.7 cm x 13.2 cm); gold quality: 43.9% (10K+); weight: 21.8 grams

Provenance: private Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA collection; ex-Minerva Gallery; ex-Benjamin Vega, California, USA, acquired in 2006 to 2007; ex-Gene and Virginia George, brought to the USA from 1961 to 1966

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#177909

In several pieces and reattached with adhesive and cellophane tape. Chips and small losses to edges. Green patina and mineral deposits as shown. Pitting and surface wear. Fair condition. Displayed in modern Riker case.