Ornaments of a Calima Cacique
2018 © Maxim Tabachnik
Stylized Tairona Bird PendantPectoral with Face and Ornamental DiscsNencatacoa Ritual Gold MaskTierradentro Funerary MaskRitual Diadem with Mythic FigureAvian Pendants in FlightFunerary MaskQuimbaya Gold Funerary MasksZenú Gold Nose OrnamentsBird-Shaped Staff FinialMuisca Elite Funerary AdornmentsHuman-Face Pectoral OrnamentFemale Chieftain with OrnamentsMalagana Gold Ritual OrnamentMuisca Gold Offering FigureGold Pendant with Human FigureMuisca TunjosMuisca TunjosMuisca Ceremonial SceptersZenú Pendant with HeaddressTairona Winged Pendant FigureSounding Pectoral OrnamentQuimbaya Gold Disc with Human FaceMuisca Tumbaga Pectoral with Figures and BirdsMuisca Gold Ceremonial PectoralBat-Shaped Ear PendantTolima Culture Gold BreastplateZoomorphic Ear PendantBird-Shaped Nose OrnamentShaman–Bat Transformation PendantGeometric Pectoral OrnamentMuisca Gold Miniature FiguresMuisca Ritual TunjosBird-Shaped Copper PendantMuisca Gold Miniature FiguresSinú Ceremonial Gold AttireQuimbaya PoporoQuimbaya Ceremonial Breastplate with WarriorsMantilla and Hair Comb of a Bucaramanga LadySpinning Ritual DiscMuisca Tunjos Ritual OfferingsGold Ear SpoolsSea Snail ShellAnthropo-Zoomorphic PendantShamanic Pectoral with Nose RingMuisca El Dorado Ritual RaftFigure with Raised ArmsZenú Crocodile AmuletFish Ornament and HookTolima Miniature Human FiguresOrnaments of a Calima CaciqueZenú Double-Spiral PectoralMuisca Ritual Crown with DanglesLizard AmuletQuimbaya Gold Pectoral with Shamanic FigureRitual Necklace with Double Beads

Ornaments of a Calima Cacique

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This set of gold ornaments, including a breastplate, earrings, and an imposing nose ring, belonged to a Calima cacique (200 BC–600 AD). The spotted nose ring evokes a jaguar, symbolizing strength and transformation. Worn during ceremonies, the ensemble concealed the face and signaled the chief’s spiritual authority and connection to shamanic power.