In the context of the exhibition «More Than Gold – Splendour and Thought of Indigenous Colombia»

With Jimena Lobo Guerrero Arenas, Senior Curator of World Archaeology, Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, University of Cambridge

This talk will offer a tour of the fascinating world of pre-Columbian metallurgy in Colombia, examining the intricate processes and cultural significance of metalworking in ancient societies. Through a meticulous review of recent archaeological evidence, we will address technological developments, artistic expressions, and the socioeconomic implications of metallurgical practices in different regions and time-periods. From the intricate metalwork of the Muisca to the sophisticated alloy compositions of the Quimbaya, this talk will highlight the diverse techniques and materials used by the indigenous peoples of Colombia, offering insights into their craftsmanship, cosmology, and social organization.

By contextualizing metallurgical objects within their cultural and historical settings, this talk will offer a deeper understanding of pre-Columbian societies while explaining the complexities of their material culture. Additionally, it will highlight the resilience and creativity of ancient Colombian peoples in harnessing natural resources to forge objects of beauty, utility, and symbolic meaning. This presentation attempts to deepen our understanding of Colombia's diverse cultural heritage by exploring a central question: What significance did gold hold for pre-Columbian societies?

Welcome by Dr. Fernanda Ugalde, Curator for the Art of the Americas, Museum Rietberg.

Language: English
Duration: approx. 60 minutes
Venue: Park-Villa Rieter, Vortragssaal/auditorium
Door opening: 30 minutes before the event starts 
Space limited


Click on the green button TICKETS AUSWÄHLEN (select tickets) below and then choose your seat on the seating plan. Any discount will only be granted upon presentation of appropriate proof at the entrance.