Sinú Gold Toucan Finial

Eustorgio Padilla, Bogotá

American Private Collection, acquired from the above in 1973

Thence by descent to the present owner

The Walters Art Museum, Baltimore, 2001-2011 (on loan)

Large finials of avians and animals were dramatic examples of Sinú lost-wax goldwork. The densely-cast effigies were perched on cylindrical bases that were mounted on a scepter or staff, proudly displaying the powerful and acute traits of the diverse regional fauna. Such exuberant, large finials were prominent prestige objects of authority.

The exceptionally long-beaked avian here is cast with rows of openwork filigree on the chest, with ample feathers folded on the back and a short flaring tail. With long, strong neck, large rimmed oval eyes and rounded pupils, the head emphasizes a regal form. The bird is further adorned with a triple row of spirals along the head, and slender dangles attach to the lower beak. Each leg has ankle ornaments and fine braidwork trims the end of the shaft.

The Sinú area is now referred to as part of the greater Zenú region, which includes the northwestern Coastal plains and the lower Cauca and Magdalena river valleys. The long tradition of goldwork in Colombia was an act of extreme skill and was deeply tied to ceremonial significance. Indeed, “[the] goldsmiths were anonymous transformers who converted profane metals into sacred forms of high cultural and artistic significance” (Santiago Londoño Vélez, “Symbolism and aesthetics in the ancient metalwork of Colombia” in The Art of Gold, The Legacy of Pre-Hispanic Colombia, Milano, 2007, p. 26).