Pre-Columbian, Colombia, Magdalena River, Tamalameque, ca. 1000 to 1500 CE. A terracotta burial urn lid of the Tamalameque along the lower Magdalena, where large cemeteries were traditionally comprised of shaft tombs with side chambers containing cylindrical urns, usually with lids depicting large heads with short arms and upraised hands in a symbolic gesture of praise, like this example, whose visage features applied facial features: coffee bean shaped eyes, arched brows, a protruding nose, diminuitive ears, and puckered lips. Size: 11.5" W x 10.25" H (29.2 cm x 26 cm)

In addition, the figure's ears and nose are pierced, presumably for the suspension of decorative ornaments. On his chest are applied nipples situated near the armpits and incised filets that may represent scarification marks. Adding further interest to the piece is the protruding spinal column on his back.

In the valley of the River Magdalena, ancient rituals related to the preparation of the body of the deceased for its journey to the afterlife involved the practice of secondary burials in urns like this example. According to the curatorial department of the Museo del Oro Banco de la Republica, "There are two different stages in the secondary burial funerary custom: first of all a primary burial takes place, where the corpse is buried for a certain period of time established in the ritual, and then after this, it is exhumed for burial once more in an urn, possibly amidst a great collective ceremony. Urns have been found in well tombs with side chamber, with certain local and regional variations. The chambers contain between three and seventy urns, each holding charred bone remains, large fractured bones, and fragments of skull. Each is accompanied by pots, bowls and goblets, most of which were made exclusively for the dead person, for they show no signs of having been used. Spindle whorls, rollers and axes have also been found."



Provenance: Ex-private , San Francisco, CA Collection

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#120409

Repaired from many pieces. Forearms and head reattached. Losses to fingers and peripheries. Expected surface wear commensurate with age.