Gold

Gold was used to express sociopolitical and ideological power and identity in ancient Colombia. The indigenous Colombians valued gold for its spiritual power, and believed that it was a medium for living beings to transform or mutate into one another. Gold was considered to possess the energy of the sun and the power to generate life. It was fashioned into objects that had religious, political and social significance. Gold ornaments were symbols of power and prestige. Earrings, nose rings, breastplates and masks made of gold were worn by spiritual and political leaders.

Shamans were ancient Colombian spiritual leaders who were believed to be the link between the human and the spirit worlds. They were believed to be capable of transforming into other beings, and therefore were able to communicate with the dead. They often wore masks made of gold and ornaments to facilitate this transformation.

The ancient Colombians believed that death was necessary for the renewal of life. Elaborate preparations were made for the passage from life to death. Because of gold’s transformational properties, it was a central component of these burial rituals.

The Spanish conquistadors who came to Colombia were entranced by the country’s gold resources, but did not respect the ways that it was revered and used by the indigenous Colombians. They outlawed shamans, and they looted many sacred places and treasures. Archaeologists uncovered ceremonial vessels, adornments, ornaments, and masks that were buried in underground tombs. Examples of ancient Colombian gold can be viewed at the Museo del Oro in Bogotá.