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Gold of El Dorado: Pre-Hispanic Art of Columbia
This exhibit focuses on gold in the life of the natives before the European invasion in the 1530s.
Wonderful stories abound in the land that is now Colombia, with tales of native rituals and traditions that flourished prior to the coming of the Spaniards. Here are resources to enhance our knowledge of these peoples, their lives, beliefs and values, and the place of gold in their world.
View exhibit online
Panel topics include:
- The native industry, from mining and smelting to designing and producing gold objects
- Gold as a medium of exchange for salt, textiles, emeralds
- the legend of El Dorado
- the Sacred Lake
- European explorers
- Burial of the dead
- Objects of gold
Exhibit format
Freestanding only. 12 sets (6 double-sided panels) of pictures and texts mounted behind plexiglas. Panels measure 24” wide x 36” high, attach to wooden poles to stand 68” high.
Shipping Weight (2 fiber cases): 145 lbs.
Floor space required: 5’ x 15’
Supplemental materials
- A brochure narrating the legend of El Dorado in English and Spanish. 50 copies each, free with exhibit.
- Catalog by the Royal Academy, London, and Museo del Oro, Bogotá. 1 copy free with exhibit.
- Copies of humanities program poster. 5 free with exhibit. 1 copy of major exhibition poster free with exhibit.
Optional materials (available on request)
- Slide-tape overview, English and Spanish, 30 min., free with exhibit.
Available for rental
- VHS videos
- The Buried Mirror, Program III: The Age of Gold
- Slide-tape program
- "In Search of the Golden Land"