Nencatacoa Ritual Gold Mask
2018 © Maxim Tabachnik
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Nencatacoa Ritual Gold Mask

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This hammered gold mask (600–1600) represents Nencatacoa, Muisca god of weaving, art, and festivity. Revered as a divine fox or bear, he protected textile workers, goldsmiths, and musicians. Masks like this were worn in rituals celebrating fertility, creation, and communal joy—especially with chicha -fueled dancing honoring the spirit of artistic life.