Disk ornament
Unknown Artist
13th–16th century
Medium
Gold
Dimensions
H. 1 in. (2.54 cm)
Classification
Metal-Ornaments
Culture
Colombia
Department
Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Museum Purchase, 1891
Accession Number
91.37.10
Art Historical Context
This delicate gold disk ornament, crafted by an unknown artist in Colombia between the 13th and 16th centuries, exemplifies the extraordinary metalworking prowess of pre-Columbian cultures in the Americas. Measuring just 1 inch (2.54 cm) in height, its petite scale belies its cultural weight, likely serving as a personal adornment such as an ear or nose ornament, worn to signify status, wealth, or spiritual connection. Gold held profound significance in ancient Colombian societies, symbolizing the sun's life-giving power and divine favor. Artisans from regions like the Zenú or Muisca employed...