Chiminigagua’s Luminous and Resplendent World:
The Art and Architecture of the Muisca
Thomas B. F. Cummins
Dumbarton Oaks Professor of Pre-Columbian and Colonial Art
Harvard University
Unknown Muisca Artist, Bird Pendant, 10th–16th century, Colombia. Gold, 10.2 x 11.1 x 1.9 cm. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 1979.206.509
Colombia has one of America’s richest pre-Columbian artistic traditions, especially gold work. This talk will examine the intersection between architectural spaces, metalworking, textiles, and rock art of the Muisca (CE 1200–1500). Emphasis will be placed on the ritual use of objects as well as the representation of ritual objects and spaces, particularly in gold as it is described in colonial texts. Muisca myths will be explored to help understand how ancient images, especially rock art, were understood by the Muisca.
Thursday, April 4, 2019
6 PM in the Lecture Hall
The Institute of Fine Arts
1 East 78th Street
Followed by a reception with wine and cheese in the Loeb Room
