Loading

Breastplate in the shape of a bird with multiple heads

Eastern Cordillera - Muisca Period600/1600

Museo del Oro, Bogotá

Museo del Oro, Bogotá
Bogota, Colombia

In this pectoral, six birds with folded wings and crouching human figures on their heads, rest on the back of a larger bird. Another two human figures, also in a squatting position, sit on its open wings. They are probably shamans on their initiation flight, as described in certain traditions of present-day indigenous groups.

Show lessRead more
  • Title: Breastplate in the shape of a bird with multiple heads
  • Creator: Eastern Cordillera - Muisca Period
  • Creator Lifespan: 600/1600
  • Creator Nationality: Colombia
  • Creator Death Place: Colombia
  • Creator Birth Place: Colombia
  • Date: 600/1600
  • Physical Dimensions: w225 x h210 mm
  • Type: Goldwork
  • External Link: Cosmology and Symbolism room
  • Technique: Lost wax casting in tumbaga
  • Finding: Colombia, Cundinamarca, Guatavita
  • Accession number: O01253
Museo del Oro, Bogotá

Get the app

Explore museums and play with Art Transfer, Pocket Galleries, Art Selfie, and more

Home
Discover
Play
Nearby
Favorites