Pre-Columbian gold
Bogota’s Gold Museum, El Museo del Oro, holds a stunning collection of pre-Columbian gold and other metals.
In total the museum has 55,000 pieces, 6,000 of which are on display, making it the largest collection of gold artefacts in the world.
The quality of the craftsmanship at times astounded me, and thanks to an informative guide we also learned a lot about the belief systems of the different indigenous peoples of Colombia as reflected in the designs.
At PR’s suggestion, below, I’m linking this to the Only in Museum challenge, a new one for me!
36 Comments
Pingback:
equinoxio21
Contrary to Peru, the Spaniards didn’t find much gold in Colombia. (It’d been hidden before I think! LOL) That museum is quite unique. Did you like Botero’s museum? His personal collection impressed me…
Sarah Wilkie
Yes, although I was a bit tired and jet-lagged still unfortunately. I was impressed by his personal collection but I was more interested in seeing his work as it was new to me. However what I liked most was seeing his sculptures in the open in Medellín – it seemed to me that they worked best in a large open space and with people able to interact more closely with them, including touching them
equinoxio21
Quite possibly so. (Never been to Medellín. which is a shame. Some day…)
wetanddustyroads
Ah Colombia … that must be a awesome trip! And kicking it off with a gold postcard is a great start!
Sarah Wilkie
Yes, we’re having a great time here – more postcards to follow soon no doubt!
Alison
Must be a very rich country indeed!
Sarah Wilkie
Not today but the various indigenous tribes certainly mined and worked with a lot of gold.
Alison
Amazing how a poor country has such riches
A bit like Cambodia
Sarah Wilkie
I believe the museum isn’t state-owned but belongs to a bank!
restlessjo
A goldmine, Sarah! What a beautiful creation. I say that because I’m not sure exactly what it is, but its beauty is not in doubt.
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Jo. I believe the larger piece is a headband but I don’t know about the little one below!
restlessjo
Thanks, Sarah. What time is it there? 🤗💕
Sarah Wilkie
Five hours behind the UK and therefore the same behind Portugal I believe 😀
PR
Beautiful artefact Sarah!This would be a perfect post for my Only in Museum photo prompt. Would be great if you joined – https://flightsofthesoul.wordpress.com/2023/02/05/only-in-museum-15/
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you for the suggestion, which I’m happy to adopt! And I’ll keep my eyes open for anything I could contribute in the future.
PR
Thanks Sarah! Looking forward 😀
Marie
So looking forward to hearing all about your trip ….. enjoy…..
Sarah Wilkie
No doubt I’ll be swamping you all with loads of posts on our return!
Mike and Kellye Hefner
Wow! Beautiful and interesting. Safe travels, Sarah.
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you – we’re having a great trip so far 😊
leightontravels
Judging by the exhibit in your photo, the craftsmanship was truly incredible. This is such a beautiful and elegant design. Your visit to the museum sounds fascinating, I would love to learn more about the belief systems of Pre-Colombian civilisations that are reflected in their intricate artefacts. Colombia would be an amazing destination to explore.
Sarah Wilkie
I’ll try to write a full post on this on our return. We were there on our first afternoon after too little sleep on the plane, so I may need to do some research to fill in the gaps in my memory!
grandmisadventures
oh how beautiful! I love that delicate detail all around it 🙂
Sarah Wilkie
That’s one reason I picked this one to share, I loved that delicacy too!
margaret21
It’s not easy to capture gold on camera, but – unsurprisingly – you dunnit.
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Margaret 😊 Lens right on the display cabinet to eliminate reflections and a bit of a boost to the contrast afterwards to bring out the details 😀
Anna
Can’t wait for all your Colombia posts in the future!
Sarah Wilkie
I can safely say there will be plenty Anna, even just three days into our trip!
Anna
I didn’t doubt for a second that you would have lots to post! You’re queen of posting posts!!! 😂
thehungrytravellers.blog
That’s a bit of a tease….I want to know more!
Sarah Wilkie
Sorry Phil 😆 I’m sure I’ll do a full post about this museum after we get back. It’s absolutely amazing!
Steven and Annie Berger
A beautiful reminder of the necklace and earrings my wife bought there. Thanks.
Steve
Sarah Wilkie
We didn’t look in the shop – I bet they sell some fabulous things!
Tales From My Lens
Beautiful!
Sarah Wilkie
Thanks, glad you liked it 😊