Society's destiny was determined during the Tairona period by a powerful shaman elite, who claimed to control the essential forces of nature, the order of the cosmos, and human actions. They were responsible for overseeing the material and spiritual wellbeing of the community, and this gave them a political and ideological power that was capable of moving armies, ordering major public works to be undertaken, controlling agricultural production, barter networks and trade, and holding mass ceremonies.

Although we cannot be certain how the shaman first came to have political power, the symbolism of objects with compound animal-human representations, which are so common in Tairona period iconography, suggests that this power was based on the shaman's ability to transform himself into frightening beings and in turn to take on their powers. Daring, strength, and the ability to fly or to devour people were attributes that were greatly valued by the shaman. Transformation was a process that took place in the mind, in the spirit, under the effects of psychotropic substances, exhausting ritual dances, fasting and the typical privations that were involved in exercising shamanistic powers. It was not the shaman's body that was transformed, it was his spirit, which was capable of transcending the confines of the human condition, travelling through unknown regions of the cosmos, and acquiring powers and knowledge that were inaccessible to other members of the community.

These leading figures were portrayed in their transformation trance in numerous ornaments and utensils made from different materials. Although the most emblematic of these representations was the 'bat-man' figure, images of leading male and female figures transformed into no less fearsome animals are many and varied in Tairona period iconography: birds of prey, feline figures, crocodiles and snakes made up a whole legion of powerful shamans with profound esoteric knowledge. Although the prime function of these figures in their religious specialist role was to maintain the natural balance, see to the wellbeing of the community, cure diseases or act as sole mediators between society and the gods, they could also become the scourge of their potential enemies. This was perhaps the source of the tremendous influence they exerted over the rest of the community!

Tairona and the Gold Museum Exhibition

Territory and Subsistence

Paradise Found and Lost

A Powerful Shaman Elite