Golden Treasure
I have visited the Metropolitan Museum many times and still seem to be amazed by the beauty that surrounds me. It is common to see paintings and sculptures, but not so ordinary to be able to view beautiful pieces of gold jewels. Gold jewelry is a symbol of power, royalty, high class and pure elegance and this room at the MET displaying different pieces is exactly that. I choose this piece because not only was I drawn to its beauty but it also reminded me of pieces my mother and her mother wore during their weddings. This piece is a pure depiction of elegance and grandiose status.
The Nose Ornament was from the Yotoco period in Colombia during the 1st -7th centuries. Nose ornamentation is one of the earliest forms of beautifications used during Pre-Colombian times. They were made in a variety of materials, however during this period they put a strong emphasis on exquisite gold objects in which became a primary way they exemplified their social status and relationships as well as their beliefs. The gold jewelry ranged in various sizes, from small rings to larger headpieces. This piece was one of the larger Yotoco gold pieces because it was believed to have covered the lower portion of the face. A pure symbol of elegance and power through the gold and an item of awareness through the dangling rectangles.
Not only was this a beautiful piece of jewelry but it had various meanings behind it. During the Yotoco period, gold marked a difference in class in the burial process. Only a minute amount of individuals had access to such grandiose items. The masses typically were buried with one or two pots where as the elite were found with copious amounts of gold adornments. Unlike traditional power inheritance, during the Yotoco period leaders displayed their authority through luxury objects that classified their economical, social and political status. Gold symbolized infinite, shining yellow rays, which in their culture was representative of the sun, and the renewal of life.