Queensland Art Gallery Presscuttings Book 8 : Pressclippings, 1977-1981

El Dorado ColombianGold The Gold Museum The largest collection of Indian gold-work and ceramics In Colombia is housed in the Banco de la Republica·s Museo del Oro - a modern building m the capital city, Bogota The Banco de la Republica de Colombia h;is controlled all gold trading in Colombia since its lo11ndat1on in 1923. when gold-buying agencies were established near the main gold deposits throughout the country. The Bank gradually acquired gold art ifacts from these agencies. In the late 30's the decision was made to form a collection that would preserve for the people of Colombia some of the finest objects of the cultural traditions of their Indian forbears. At the time of the Spanish conquest the interest in the gold artilacts of the Indians was solely tor the bull..,n value. For centuries golden objects were rifled from tom1'>s, to be mailed down in the numerous refineries set up, tor this purpose - for shipment back to the courts of Europe. Today the Gold Museum is in a spacious building eslabllshed 1n t968 specifically to house and display the priceless collecllon of thousands of pieces of gold-work, revered not for its monetary value but for the centuries of proud tradition shown In the superb craft work of the anclenl Indians. (Above) Helmet from Quimbaya region, western Colombia. Hammered gold, 9.2cmhlgh. (Right) Nose-ring from Tairona region near Caribbean coast. Cast gold, 5. 7 cm high. (Left) Votive figurine from Mu/sea region . near Bogot/1 in central Colombia, showing warrior with severed head. Cast gold, 10.6 cm high.