June Artifact of the Month: Bolivian Necklace

11978.28.9 Gift of Noreen Braithwaite

Written by Amanda Kramp, Assistant Curator of Collections and Exhibits

June 19, 2023

This stunning and mysterious pendant has been on our Artifact of the Month poll several times and finally made its way to our guests’ top choice! It appears to be pre-Columbian, representing an ancient deity. However, it was likely produced in the 1970s. Unfortunately, there is not much information in the museum records about this piece, though records do state it was purchased to represent the tin industry (or “tin-dustry”, if you will) of Bolivia. Mining and metallurgy are vital economic drivers in Bolivia today and historically. This piece is probably pewter, an alloy composed primarily of tin with varying quantities of hardening agents.

The artifact was acquired in 1978 from a Methodist Church Bolivian cultural program. The maker’s mark on the back of the pendant bears the words “Tiahuanaco Jewels, USA – European Copyright, Made in Bolivia” stamped in copper. Tiahuanaco, or Tiwanaku, is a pre-Columbian archaeological site in Western Bolivia near Lake Titicaca, and one of the largest sites in South America. In 2000, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Little is known about the maker, Tiahuanaco Jewels, aside from the fact that there are several pendants of similar composition, style, and with identical maker’s marks available on third party resell sites. These items are usually described as “vintage” and some have original tags indicating that the pendants represent various pre-Columbian tribes or civilizations.

There is much more to see and learn about this fascinating Bolivian Necklace in the Museum. Come by to check it out!