In the Early Quimbaya period, artists of the Middle Cauca Valley represented the human body in a sculptural and realistic manner. In later periods, representations moved towards more abstract bodies and figurative vessels. The semi-closed, slanted eyes of these figures are notable, and metal adornments were clearly of great importance and prevalence. 
  
In both ceramic and metal, human figures are often shown wearing necklaces, ear, and nose ornaments. Adornments depicted in ceramic accurately reflect the real pieces, cast in lost wax from tumbaga (gold-copper alloy), that were frequently worn. The conspicuous wear and damage on many of the metal adornments is evidence of their sustained use, before their final deposition in a tomb or offering.