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Cauca culture (800–1200 CE) is apre-Columbian culture from theValle del Cauca inColombia, named for theCauca River. Middle Cauca culture dates from the 9 to 10th centuries CE.[1]
Their territory was near the present day city ofPopayán, in theCalima River Valley.
Archaeologists surmise that Cauca culture was organized into several relatedchiefdoms that traded and fought with each other.[1] They farmed and madeceramics and goldwork.
Their art often featured avian imagery. Cauca culture art shared some similarities toYotoco culture art.[1] They are known for ceramic slab figurines, representing humans–both female and male–with dramatically angular features.[2]
Caucagoldsmiths hammered and cast gold to create a range of figures and ornaments, includingdiadems and bracelets.[1] They created caricurinoserings from gold.[3]