47121

Muisca 4 Figural Tunjos

Currency:USD Category:Art Start Price:1,250.00 USD Estimated At:5,000.00 - 6,000.00 USD
Muisca 4 Figural Tunjos
<B>Four Figural <I>Tunjos</B></I></B></I><BR>Muisca<BR>A.D. 900 - 1500<BR><I>Tumbaga,</B></I> Weight 26 grams<BR>Height (tallest) 3 3/8 in. Height (shortest) 2 13/16 in.<BR><BR><I>Tunjos</B></I> survive by the thousands from the Muisca, the group which at the time of the Spanish incursion inhabited the high plateau in the area of modern Bogotá. Their use paralleled that of modern <I>ex votos.</B></I> Pilgrims to shrines could purchase <I>tunjos</B></I> with iconography suited to each individual's needs. These were then placed as offerings, frequently in ceramic vessels set at special sacred locations. Each of the present four portrays a conventionalized standing figure, one holding a bow, with arrows in the right hand. Another presents a bowl with both hands. The other two hold a flat club and a <I>poporo</B></I> and lime dipper respectively. Other than minute casting flaws, the condition of all four figures is very good.<BR><BR>Provenance<BR>Christie's, Paris: sale 5068, 10 December 2003, lot 454, p.135<BR><BR> <BR><BR><B>Important no