Ancient Colombian chiefdoms

Chiefdoms in Central America were small groups who developed unique artforms in order to distinguish themselves and compete with one another.

c. 500 B.C.E.–1600 C.E.

videos + essays

We're adding new content all the time!

Muisca Raft
Muisca Raft

The Muisca would honor a new leader by covering his body in gold dust and then submerging him, his raft, and other offerings into the sacred lake.

Ancient Colombian goldmaking
Ancient Colombian goldmaking

For centuries Europeans were dazzled by the idea of a lost city of gold in South America… but did it really exist?

Selected Contributors