Pre-Columbian tumbaga animal figure from Costa Rica - Southern Zone - Diquis Region.
Tumbaga is the name given by Spanish Conquistadors for a non-specific alloy of gold and copper, and is a term for a wide variety of gold and copper alloys used by pre-Columbian cultures in Mesoamerica and South America. It has a lower melting point and is more malleable than gold or copper alone, allowing for sophisticated casting techniques.
Tumbaga was used to deceive Spanish conquistadors who thought it was pure gold, but discovered otherwise to their great disappointment.
Strung with modern gold flash obsidian and gold plated nugget beads. Length: 18"