Lot 198

Muisca Gold Standing Tunjo Figure

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Muisca Gold Standing Tunjo Figure

Estimate: $8,000 - $12,000

Starting Bid: $4,000

(0 Bids)

by Artemis Fine Arts
June 11, 2026 9:00 AM MDT
Live Auction
686 S. Taylor Avenue
Suite 108
Louisville, CO, US 80027

Andes Mountains, Colombia, ca. 1000 - 1550 CE. Fine high quality cast gold standing male votive figure of angular form, having long tapered legs, wide angular shoulders, wearing a head band, spiral earrings, and a multi-pendant necklace, holding an object in his right hand, and a ball in his left hand. An exceptional example. According to Warwick Bray, The Gold of Eldorado, these figures. “are usually found buried in pots or thrown into lakes. Like the ‘ex. Votos’ offered to Catholic saints today, their purpose may have been to thank the gods for past help, or to serve as gifts in anticipation of future services.” XRF analysis: Gold: 16.3 K. Gold: 68% Silver: 14.5% Copper: 17% Iron: Less than 1/2%. Size: 4.63”L x 1.125”W (11.8 x 2.9cm), 38.7 gr, 16.3K.

Provenance: Private A.R. collection, Mystic, CT. , acquired from Ritchies auction, 1990’s. Ex. Galeria Pre-Colombia, A. Alfaro, 1971- 1974, with copies of sales receipts. XRF tested with copy of report available.

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Item # 71801

  • Condition: Intact, excellent condition.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $749 $25
$750 $1,499 $50
$1,500 $2,999 $100
$3,000 $7,499 $250
$7,500 $14,999 $500
$15,000 + $1,000