InternationalWeekofPanama2001

This exhibition was organized and coordinated by the Panamanian Cultural Arts Center and curated by Victor Grimaldo. It was inspired in the 500th Anniversary of the discovery of Panama's Isthmus by Spaniard Rodrigo de Bastidas in 1501. This site contains replicas of archaeological earthen pieces found in Pre-Columbian burial sites of Panama and Meso-America, including objects of gold and other metals, jewelry with semi-precious stones and pottery.

A clue to the mysteries of a vanished people who inhabited Panama during pre-Colombian times is found in the "Golden Huacas," the precious artifacts which were buried with them 1,000 years ago. These people left no written history. But the objects they made -- jewelry, weapons, tools and ornaments- give a clue to their great culture and the skill of their artisans.

In these archeological finds lies the history of a great nation obscured by time. Many facts are known, but even they change according to the books read or experts consulted. What is a huaca? Is a huaca a tomb and a huaco an artifact recovered from the tomb? Or is it the other way around? Were huacas ornaments, offerings to the gods, good luck charms, battle armor, coats of arms? Is the word itself spelled huacal or guacal or huaca or guaca? It matters little. Here in Panama, "huacas" have come to mean the artifacts removed from the graves of the Indian tribes who prospered on the rich and lovely lands of the Isthmus until the Spaniards came to plunder, kill and drive them from their homes.

The golden huaca has traveled a long journey over many lands. It was created by the hands of the skilled Caribbean goldsmith who fashioned a breast ornament for a warrior and a strand of gold beads for his lady. Placed in the tomb with other items chosen to accompany him on his journey to another life, the gold ornaments remained sun bright for hundreds of years.

Today, a replica of the golden huaca is a small part of pre-Colombian history that can be worn around the neck or on the ears. Satisfying the current craving for the unique and exotic, huacas are growing in popularity as the gift that everyone wants to own or to give. Fashioned into pendants, bracelets, earrings, even wedding rings - by jewelers in Panama and other countries of Central and South America - they are favored as gifts and cherished as souvenirs.

These pieces were exhibited at the Museum of Cultural Diversity in the city of Carson, Los Angeles County, California. South Bay Pavilion. 20700 Avalon Blvd. suite 870, Carson, CA 90807.

We invite you to "enjoy with your eyes the exotic beauties created by the hands of Today's Panamanian Artisans under the Ancient's Shamanic Spell". (V.Grimaldo, 2001).