How the Golden Raft of El Dorado Was Crafted

It is a shame that Muisca people are not nearly as researched as Aztec, Mayas, and Incas. They are one of the four advances civilizations of America.

Muisca people are best known for the legend of El Dorado. The legend was born in the 16th century, when the Spanish conquerors arrived on Muisca territory. The rumor about a city made entirely out of gold spread quickly.

According to the legend, the city of gold was hidden deep in the Colombian mountains. The myth of El Dorado has attracted millions of explorers and treasure hunters. The most representative symbol of the El Dorado is the Muisca raft, an outstanding gold votive discovered in 1856.

The golden sculpture, made out of an alloy of pure gold, more than 80%, with native silver and some copper is the best example of the advanced intelligence Muisca people had. The Muisca raft is symbol of a ritual ceremony.

This short documentary explains the impressive and complicated method that was used to craft the raft, showing the advanced techniques of the tribe in full display.

From Around the Web

Related Videos