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Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA.
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA.
Balsa Muisca
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA.
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA.

Balsa Muisca

Artifact ID1982.02737.01a-b
Object Type Sculpture
Gifter
Date 300BC - 1500 AD (original)
Medium Metal (18 kt gold), Plastic
Dimensions10 × 8 × 7 in. (25.4 × 20.3 × 17.8 cm)
Physical DescriptionThis is a reproduction sculpture of a pre-Columbian artifact titled “Balsa Musica.” The sculpture is of a raft containing eleven human figures. The largest is a central figure representing the chief surrounded by ten smaller figures representing attendants and oarsmen. The figures rest on an oval-shaped reed raft with a triangle-patterned central support structure. The raft is mounted on a black plastic base. Also included is a detached gold-toned presentation plaque.
Historical NoteThis is a replica of the Muisca raft, one of the most iconic pieces in Colombia's Museo del Oro (Gold Museum)'s collection. It is believed to depict the El Dorado ceremony held by the Muisca people in the Guatavita lagoon. It was given during President Reagan's trip to Columbia and presented to him during a visit to the Casa de Nariño in Bogotá on December 3, 1982
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from a foreign official to President Ronald Reagan during the Reagan administration. It was received through the Executive Office of the President and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January, 1989 for deposit with the Reagan Presidential Library.
National Archives Catalog CollectionRecords of the White House Gift Unit (Reagan Administration) (National Archives Identifier 6816362) and
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from Foreign Officials (National Archives Identifier 6816364)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestricted
Use Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
Place MadeColombia
In Collection(s)
Exhibition HistorySymbols of Diplomacy (1993-1994), Ronald Reagan Presidential Library; Ronald Reagan Presidential Library (1991-2003)
Related LinksPhotograph: Presenting gifts during visit to the Casa de Narino, Bogota, Colombia 12/03/1982 c11611-03