Pre-Hispanic civilizations of Colombia

The country abounds in treasures inherited from different pre-Columbian cultures (Muiscas, Tayronas, Quimbayas, Calimas, San Augustin, Tierradentro, Tolimas…). ).

Calima civilization

The Calima culture developed along the banks of the river of the same name, on the Pacific slope near Buenaventura. The Indians were farmers, living in small settlements of a few huts. Pottery with anthropomorphic and zoomorphic figures has been found, as well as finely-worked goldsmiths’ pieces: diadems, pectorals and pins

Tolima civilization

In the Magdalena Valley, this civilization bravely resisted the Spanish invaders. They left us a legacy of beautiful gold pieces such as nose ornaments, pectorals and earrings.

Tierradentro Civilization

Le site archéologique de Tierradentro en Colombie

Another enigmatic civilization is Tierradentro, which appeared around the 8th century BC, and whose painted hypogeums are unique on the American continent.

Quimbaya civilization

The Quimbaya culture developed in the upper Cauca valley. They also excelled in ceramics with painted or incised decorations. Among their everyday objects, archaeologists have found cotton fabrics, wooden oars, obsidian mirrors and rock crystal necklaces.

Tairona civilization

They populated the slopes of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, and we know all about their habitats, terraced farming and irrigation systems. Their descendants still live in these same mountains. They excelled in goldsmithing, and we can still admire some of the finest pieces of pre-Columbian goldsmithing.

Muisca civilization - Chibcha

They populated the altiplano in the Bogota region, trading in salt, emeralds and cotton. At the time of his enthronement, the new sovereign, covered in gold, went to the sacred lake of Guatavita. There, he would mount a raft, a balsa and bathe. Having heard this story, the Spaniards invented the legend of El Dorado.

If you are interested in pre-Hispanic civilizations, we recommend a visit to the following museums