Large Shaman Figure. Quimbaya, Colombia, circa 1200 A.D. Cast in lost wax, Tumbaga gold. H. 8, w. 7 cm, weight 84 g. On a crescent-shaped base with spiral decoration on the body, and an eyelet at each end, seated male figure with large eyes and wide open mouth, chin ornament, eyebrows and lips stylized with bands, on the head a broad crest with spiral decoration, holding in each hand a poporo lime container. Around the neck he wears a necklace with spherical pendants. The wrists and ankles are each decorated with two ribbons, the toes are indicated by notches. The penis protrudes, but the figure also has indicated nipples, which is very unusual in male figures. The appeal and collectible value of this figure clearly lies in the unusual shape of the throne. Most of the figures are shown standing. The "poporo" is considered a national symbol in Colombia. This device usually has a long neck and a bulky container and is made of different materials. It can also vary in appearance, most often it is phytomorphic, which means it is inspired by vegetables, and anthropomorphic, where animals have human characteristics. According to the previous consignor, it is an object from a large collection, from which 15 objects were randomly analyzed and dated around 1200 AD. The analysis was carried out by Prof. Dr. Ernst-Ludwig Richter, State Academy of Fine Arts, Stuttgart, 04.02.1991. Provenance: Baden private collection. Auction Kaupp, 8.12.2012, lot 4428, private collection Germany.