Title: The Gold Bowl Artifact: Evidence of Pre-Spaniard Civilization

Introduction:

The discovery of finely designed and expertly manufactured gold items from around the world

has long fascinated historians and archaeologists. Gold artifacts found in Mesoamerica and other

places suggest advanced civilizations existed before the Spaniards. The gold bowl as proof of

civilization before the Spanish conquest will be examined in this essay.

Answer:

Scott, the author, delves into the significance of gold artifacts in ancient Filipino society.

Through extensive research and historical analysis, Scott provides readers with an intriguing

insight into the role that these precious metal objects played in the culture, economy, and

religious practices of the barangay.

Supporting Quotes from Barangay by W.H. Scott, Ch. 11

Historical Context:

Maya, Inca, and Aztec civilizations flourished throughout Central and South America, notably

Latin America. These civilizations had advanced political, social, and cultural systems before

Europeans arrived. The Spanish recorded ancient civilizations, but gold artifacts like the gold

bowl show advanced societies existed before the conquest.

Answer:

Craftsmen methodically made gold jewelry, beads, and accessories to showcase their metallurgy

skills." This emphasis on craftsmanship suggests that gold artifacts were valuable, as were status

symbols and works of art.

Supporting Quotes from Barangay by W.H. Scott, Ch. 11

The Gold Bowl Artifact:

One such artifact is the gold bowl, renowned for its intricate craftsmanship and cultural

significance. Discoveries of gold bowls have been made throughout Latin America, including in

ancient burial sites and ceremonial centers, underscoring the importance of gold in the context of

pre-conquest civilizations.

1. El Dorado and the Muisca Civilization

The Muisca civilization of Colombia shows how gold was important to indigenous societies. For

European explorers, El Dorado symbolized the Muisca's love of gold. Possibly the most

important gold bowl artifact in this region was the "Golden Raft," a depiction of the Lake

Guatavita ceremony. This relic showed the civilization's intricate ceremonies and gold's

centrality.

2. The Tolima Culture

Gold bowl artifacts from Tolima, Colombia, are another example. These complex pieces

showcase Tolima metallurgy. These bowls were utilized for religious and ceremonial purposes,

supporting the idea of a developed civilization with advanced artisan skills. This region's gold

bowls prove the existence of different societies with well-established cultural practices before

Europeans arrived.

Implications:
The gold bowl shows advanced Latin American indigenous cultures before Spanish colonialism.

These artifacts demonstrate pre-conquest civilizations' intelligence and cultural richness, from

the Muisca's ritualistic use of gold to the Tolima's exquisite craftsmanship and the Inca's well-

organized society. These findings imply that Latin America formed before the European

invasion. These civilizations' achievements and our history and culture are highlighted by the

gold bowl.

References:

1. Berrin, K., & Larco Museum (1997) The Spirit of Ancient Peru: Treasures from the

Museo Arqueológico Rafael Larco Herrera Thames and Hudson.

2. Hoopes, J. W. (2011) Gold and power in ancient Costa Rica, Panama, and Colombia.

Dumbarton Oaks.

3. McEwan, C. (1994). Ancient Peru: A Cultural History University of Oklahoma Press.

4. Watanabe, S., Ashida, H., Kutchko, B., & Olsen, J. (2013). Provenance patterns and long-

distance exchange of gold objects during the Muisca Confederation period in Andean

Colombia Journal of Archaeological Science, 40(7), 3005–3023.