Hoop Earring 1100 - 1499

These gold "Hoop Earrings" created by the Quimbaya people of Colombia, date back to 1100-1499. They are a beautiful example of Pre-Columbian goldwork. The earrings are crafted in the form of a stylized animal head, likely a jaguar, a significant symbol in Quimbaya culture. The intricate details of the face and the use of a "lost wax" casting technique highlight the advanced metalworking skills of the Quimbaya artisans. These earrings, now housed in the Minneapolis Institute of Art, are a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Quimbaya people.