Tumbaga Ingot
Dateca. 1510-1550
MediumTumbaga, (Silver, gold, and copper, etc.)
Dimensions7 1/2" x 3 3/8" x 5/8"
Credit LineGift of the Lasser family
Object number2008-46,83
Label TextTumbaga is a mixture of precious metals made by Spanish invaders from the stolen treasures of the Aztec and Inca cultures. Ceremonial objects and jewelry were sorted into piles of silver and gold. The metals were melted, cast into rough ingots, and stamped with control marks for shipment back to Spain, where they were melted again and refined. Rare surviving examples of tumbaga were salvaged from a Spanish ship wrecked off the coast of Grand Bahaman Island.
Ca. 1510-1550
1850-1910
ca.1787-1789
1713