Pre-Columbian wood work

The Pre-Columbian Cultures developed a very good quality wood work.

  Prior to the Spanish conquest, in the territory that comprises present-day Colombia, one constant held true for all  gold work, no matter the region or era under discussion, little admiration was given to the metal itself. Relatively abundant in the country, the metals acquired considerable value only after they had been transformed into finished objects. The chronicler, Lopez de Gomara, describes the incredulousness of Panquiaco - the son of one of the most important chieftains of the Darien region - when the Spaniards melted down indigenous gold pieces. According to Gomara, Panquiaco exclaimed:
"If I had known, Christians that you would fight over my gold I would not have given it to you, for I am a friend of peace and harmony. I am astounded at your blindness and insanity that you destroy beautifully wrought pieces to make toothpicks of them and, being such good friends, you quarrel over something so insignificant and vile."
Although in some parts of the country metal smiths created tools such as punches, chisels, hatchets, needles, and fishhooks, the fundamental use of the metals was for objects that were appreciated for their symbolic content and the messages they conveyed. Figurines representing mythical beings were frequently used as offerings. Moreover, metal was often used to manufacture receptacles for narcotic drugs, as well as masks and diadems that symbolized political rank and power for the persons who wore them. Thus, metals were valued for their culturally accepted properties. Characteristics such as color, smell, shine and timbre proved ideal for representing cultural symbols.