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FROM: Goldwork and Shamanism by Gerardo Reichel-Dolmstaff: An Iconographic Study of the Gold Museum of the Banco de la Republica, Columbia p. 30-31
"Gold is practically incorruptible...the brightness of gold and its other properties are long-lasting, so that through the ages this metal has become a symbol of Eternity. Gold is used in religious rites as a sacrifice or offering, for it is an element pleasing to the gods and is almost demanded by them... The Sun is a disc of gold, it is the father of gold, and it waxes strong on gold;...Hence, the link between gold, the supernatural sphere, and power recurs constantly in human thought...gold has always had a connotation inspiring a feeling of reverence and even fear. This is why in many past and present societies goldsmiths have been and are associated with magic. The goldsmith, like the shaman, is one who makes transformations; for by working the gold and giving it a culturally significant form he makes the material pass from a profane to a sacred state. An element of magic is nearly always connected with the goldsmith's scientific and technical knowledge...the magic of transformation... Gold was associated with the Sun for its brightness, and thereby acquired a seminal, fertilizing, vital significance and even political significance. The Indians today hold that there is a reciprocal relationship between gold and the Sun, in which exchange occurs...On certain days of the year, when the Sun is in a certain position, they celebrate a ritual of exposing the gold to the Sun - 'asolear el oro' - in a very sacred place. The gold objects are placed within bead necklaces of carnelian and rock crystal on ritual basketry trays, which are then deposited near a temple and left there for some time, exposed to the rays of the Sun. It is believed that the gold thus absorbs new fertilizing Energy, becomes purified and renews its brightness, while the Sun finds satisfaction in the offering, for it strengthens its beneficient power."
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