Pair of Earrings Possibly 1000 - 1500

These crescent-shaped earrings were crafted by the Tairona people from the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta region in present-day Colombia. These would have been worn by people of high rank. Made of gold, their gleaming surface hints at the advanced metallurgical techniques used by the Tairona. As you look closely, consider how these earrings, symbols of status and identity, reflect the Tairona society’s values. They maintained complex social structures and belief systems despite the challenges of their environment. The circular forms might also represent the cyclical nature of life and the cosmos, reflecting their worldview. The earrings, beyond their aesthetic appeal, offer a glimpse into the sophisticated culture of a people whose legacy is a testament to resilience and ingenuity.