Pre-Colombian Art Treasures

When the Spanish conquistador, Hernan Cortez, first came to the Americas, the emperor Monte-zuma gave him a whole room full of gold, but only one green tubular jade bead. The beads were considered to be worth much more than gold by the Indians.

Ancient beads, such as the ones Montezuma gave Cortez, are still found in excavations today. Of all Pre-Columbian civilizations, none reached a higher level of expression in beadwork than the tribes that lived in what in now the country of Colombia. (The term Pre-Columbian refers to the time periods before Columbus discovered the Americas.)

Ceramic pieces crafted by the Indians as long as 2500 years ago show what the Indians looked like, as well as their customs and beliefs. A coca leaf-chewing Indian chief, or a witch doctor dressed in a jaguar costume, are some of the figures represented in the statuary gazing at you from showcases. Old musical instruments, household artifacts such as kitchen graters, and beautifully decorated ceremonial plates are just some of the artifacts you will see.

The beads have a magic to them, as well as a history and mystery. How did purple coral arrive to the indians of the Andes mountains near trhe Ecuatorian border? There is none found on the South American shores. How did amber (not native to South America) arrive to be carved into beads? How did the Indians shape and drill quartz, agate, and jade beads? If you try to use an electric drill, quartz shatters. These mysteries are still unanswered.

Colombia is famous for its indigenous gold work, considered the finest of all Pre-Hispanic civilizations in the New World. When the Spanish conquistadores came in the 16th Century, most gold work was looted and melted down. Reproductions may be seen of the most representative surviving gold figures, using Pre-Columbian methods and molds struck from the original pieces and incorporated with antique beads or simply worn as pendants.

The craftsmanship of these pieces confirms that fine jewelry is timeless. They are as elegant today as when the Indians used them centuries ago.