Abstract

LLANOS CHAPARRO, Juan Manuel. The First Prehispanic Goldsmith Workshop Excavated in Colombia (9^th-16^th centuries AD). Rev. colomb. antropol. [online]. 2015, vol.51, n.2, pp.293-315. ISSN 0486-6525.

In this paper the main results of the first archaeological dig in Colombia of a preHispanic goldsmith workshop are presented succinctly; this workshop worked over 800years in the lower basin of the Saldaña river (Magdalena Valley). Human groups settled there during the late period (9^th-17^th c. AD) had technical expertise (hammered-annealing, lost wax casting and emptying), tools (refractory ceramic and lithic industry) and forest resources and minerals needed to produce parts in copper and gold high quality, complexity and size (heartlike pectorals, anthropomorphic and zoomorphic figures with tips on bracket). The technology used, although it seems "simple", by the absence of pyro-technological ovens or complex structures, was very efficient.

Keywords : Archaeometallurgy; Late period; goldsmith workshop; refractory ceramic and lost wax casting.

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