5. The Uses of Gold

Colombian natives used gold for many purposes. They crafted gold jewelry to be worn for religious rituals and public ceremonies, such as the naming of a new leader or the burial of the dead. The quality and quantity of ornaments varied according to social distinctions. The caciques (chieftains) reportedly ate from gold bowls with gold spoons. Tweezers, fish hooks, needles, chisels, and goldworking tools were sometimes made of gold. Some groups used gold weapons, and war banners were often decorated with gold.