Nose Ornament with Lateral Extensions in Suggesting Whiskers, Wings, or Fish Barbels Possibly 1000 - 1500

Curator: Let's turn our attention to this striking nose ornament. Dating possibly from 1000 to 1500, it comes from the Nariño people, and it's currently housed at the Art Institute of Chicago. It features these incredibly precise, clean lines fashioned from gold. Editor: My immediate impression is one of elegant symmetry. The radiating lines enclosed within the spirals really command attention; their rigid geometry offsets the graceful curves. Curator: It's remarkable how such a stylized form speaks volumes about identity. These ornaments weren't just decorative. They were powerful symbols of status and played a significant role in the social hierarchy of the Nariño. The radiant gold must have been breathtaking! Editor: Absolutely, the material contributes so much. Gold, polished to gleam like this, suggests both inherent value and meticulous labor. The smooth surfaces catch and reflect light so beautifully. Note too how that central portion fits snugly over the bridge of the nose, creating such a bold focal point on the face. Curator: Considering their place in society really puts the object in perspective. Were they only for the elite? Or did they play other roles in life? Its bilateral symmetry could symbolize balance in the cosmos. The whiskers, wings, or fish barbels, depending on the view, suggest an understanding of their close relationship with nature. Editor: What strikes me is the dynamic contrast between the flat, smooth planes of the ornament and the suggestion of depth created by those enclosed radiating lines. It has a certain architectural quality in how it builds out into space from that central horizontal bar. Curator: This is more than jewelry, it’s a visual manifesto declaring place within their community and world! It speaks to themes of power, identity, and belonging, which continue to resonate today, even if our understanding of adornment is very different. Editor: Indeed, such exquisite attention to form transforms the piece. Looking at this gold ornament, it reminds us of art's capability to bridge cultures through the ages. Curator: A compelling demonstration of art, culture, and politics coming together to tell a visual story, it challenges our own assumptions about beauty and status.