The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of March 29, 2024

Tunjos (Votive Offering Figurine)

Tunjos (Votive Offering Figurine)

c. 900–1550
Overall: 10.3 x 2.7 x 0.8 cm (4 1/16 x 1 1/16 x 5/16 in.)

Description

Unlike the other gold ornaments made in the isthmian region, tunjos were not worn; instead, they served as offerings that were deposited in sacred places such as lagoons and caves. They often depict humans who hold something. Perhaps because they were not meant for display, tunjos were not finished after lost-wax casting. Flaws remain uncorrected, surfaces are unpolished, and gold that backed into the channel used to pour the molten metal into the mold was left in place.
  • In Memoriam: Leonard C. Hanna, Jr.. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (March 4-April 7, 1958).
    Cleveland, OH: The Cleveland Museum of Art; March 4-April 6, 1958. "In Memoriam: Leonard C. Hanna, Jr.," cat. no. 169, repr. in black and white.
    Dallas, TX: Neiman-Marcus Co.; October 19-31, 1959. "South American Fortnight."
  • {{cite web|title=Tunjos (Votive Offering Figurine)|url=false|author=|year=c. 900–1550|access-date=29 March 2024|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1957.25