Nariño Gold Ear Ornaments

The Nariño Gold Ear Ornaments represent the exceptional goldworking tradition of the Nariño culture, an ancient pre-Columbian civilization that flourished in the southwestern highlands of present-day Colombia between approximately 700 and 1500 CE. These master artisans created intricate ear ornaments using advanced metalworking techniques including hammering, repoussé, and casting, producing objects of remarkable geometric complexity and spiritual significance. Their works have appeared at major auction houses including Christie's and Sotheby's, commanding significant prices as rare examples of pre-Columbian Andean artistic achievement.