Ritual Diadem with Mythic Figure
2018 © Maxim Tabachnik
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Ritual Diadem with Mythic Figure

754
This gold diadem (200 BC–600 AD) from the Calima culture of southwestern Colombia portrays a richly adorned figure with a feline-like nose ornament, earspools, and cascading fringe. The animal motif, typical of shamanic regalia, suggests transformation and spiritual power. Its balanced form and expert metalwork demonstrate the Calima mastery of gold as a medium of ritual authority.