Talismansthe gallery← talismans.guru
The Americas · c. 1500 BCE – today

Isthmian & Colombian gold pendants

What it is
Cast-gold frogs, bats, eagles, crocodiles and shaman-figures from Panama, Costa Rica and Colombia (500–1550). They were worn as badges of rank and as spirit helpers. Muisca tunjos were offered to lakes and deities.
Making yours
2–10 cm lost-wax cast tumbaga (gold-copper alloy), with wax-thread details and depletion gilding.
See all 12, save the ones that feel rightAsk about having one made
Tunjos (Votive Offering Figurine)Tunjos (Votive Offering Figurine)Colombia, Muisca style · c. 900–1550Mejsel, chisel amulet from Costa RicaMejsel, chisel amulet from Costa RicaCosta RicaTunjos (Votive Offering Figurine)Tunjos (Votive Offering Figurine)Colombia, Muisca style · c. 900–1550Amulet from Costa RicaAmulet from Costa RicaCosta RicaTunjos (Votive Offering Figurine)Tunjos (Votive Offering Figurine)Colombia, Muisca style · c. 900–1550Amulet from Costa RicaAmulet from Costa RicaCosta RicaTunjos (Votive Offering Figurine)Tunjos (Votive Offering Figurine)Colombia, Muisca style · c. 900–1550Tunjos (Votive Offering Figurine)Tunjos (Votive Offering Figurine)Colombia, Muisca style · c. 900–1550Tunjos (Votive Offering Figurine)Tunjos (Votive Offering Figurine)Colombia, Muisca style · c. 900–1550Tunjos (Votive Offering Figurine)Tunjos (Votive Offering Figurine)Colombia, Muisca style · c. 900–1550Tunjos (Votive Offering Figurine)Tunjos (Votive Offering Figurine)Colombia, Muisca style · c. 900–1550Tunjos (Votive Offering Figurine)Tunjos (Votive Offering Figurine)Colombia, Muisca style · c. 900–1550

More from The Americas: Andean illas & conopas · Ekeko & alasitas miniatures · Mesoamerican jade & stone pendants · Zuni & Pueblo fetishes · Northwest Coast & Arctic shaman charms
Every type in the gallery

Anything in the gallery can be made, by hand, in the prescribed metal or yours and, where the tradition names an hour, at that hour or with a plain note that it was not. Numbered. Price on commission, quoted first. I reply within one business day.