Shore Figurine
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 JIM SHORE 2005 HEARTWOOD CREEK CAT FIGURINE EVANGALINE 4004864 NO BOX $20.00 Time Remaining: 29d 13h 33m Buy It Now for only: $20.00 |
 BLESS THIS BOUNTY by JIM SHORE HORN of PLENTY FIGURINE $35.00 Time Remaining: 38m |
 NIB Jim Shore SPOTTED PIG On Cart Figurine 4008184 $19.95 Time Remaining: 5h 54m |
 Jim Shore Feline Cat Fairy Figurine Heartwood Creek $23.40 Time Remaining: 28d 15h 31m Buy It Now for only: $23.40 |
 JIM SHORE DISNEY TRADITIONS MINNIE MOUSE WITH HEART FIGURINE MY LOVE $9.99 Time Remaining: 8h 19m |
 Jim Shore NANA figurine from Peter Pan Mint RETIRED CHEAP $13.50 Time Remaining: 12d 12h 57m Buy It Now for only: $13.50 |
 2006 Jim Shore Heartwood Creek Santa Noahs Ark Noah Two by Two Figurine No Box $25.00 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 8h 50m |
 Jim Shore I Appreciate You Figurine $8.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 14h 39m |
 Jim Shore Disney Traditions BELLE BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Figurine 4015339 $38.50 Time Remaining: 28d 5h 55m Buy It Now for only: $38.50 |
 JIM SHORE HEARTWOOD CREEK SUMMER RESTORES THE SOUL FIGURINE ANGEL 4006721 $7.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 14h 42m |
 NIB Jim Shore Cooking Fairy Figurine Ornament 4014979 Mixer of Enchantment 2009 $22.99 Time Remaining: 29d 15h 59m Buy It Now for only: $22.99 |
 ENESCO JIM SHORE SPRING LOVE SPRING EGG DIORAMA LIGHTED FIGURINE NEW IN BOX $20.00 Time Remaining: 14h 53m |
 Jim Shore Stitch and Sew Til Youre Aglow Angel Quilting Mini Figurine $4.75 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 16h 32m |
 Jim Shore Heartwood Creek Swan Figurine Majestic Beauty 4026850 $33.75 Time Remaining: 28d 15h 30m Buy It Now for only: $33.75 |
 New JIM SHORE DISNEY Flower POT HANGER Figurine GOOFY DOG Garden Plant Decor $15.00 Time Remaining: 16h 34m Buy It Now for only: $16.50 |
 Jim Shore MINI BLUE BIRD Figurine 4026878 $17.95 Time Remaining: 17d 18h 47m Buy It Now for only: $17.95 |
 Jim Shore Congratulations Mickey Minnie Wedding Figurine $10.00 Time Remaining: 17h 30m Buy It Now for only: $29.95 |
 Jim Shore Disney Traditions Dopey Dwarf Simply Adorable Snow White Figurine CUTE $14.99 Time Remaining: 18h |
 Disney Jim Shore Captain Hook Mr Smee Beware Peter Pan Figurine 4009042 NEW $43.97 Time Remaining: 1d 8h 47m Buy It Now for only: $43.97 |
 PATRIOTIC MICKEY MOUSE STARS FIREWORSK FIGURINE JIM SHORE 4016558 NIB 33 DISNEY $26.95 Time Remaining: 19h 27m Buy It Now for only: $29.95 |
 JIM SHORE Coastal Collection Dolphins Figurine $44.99 Time Remaining: 14h 25m Buy It Now for only: $44.99 |
 Jim Shore Mother Baby FIGURINE Mint in Box Beautiful $9.49 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 10h 54m |
 Jim Shore Disney Peter Pan Tinkerbell Moon Figurine $10.50 (4 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 11h 32m |
 Jim Shore Disney Jiminy Cricket figurine Let Your Conscience Be Your Guide $24.95 Time Remaining: 29d 4h 12m Buy It Now for only: $24.95 |
 Stitched With Love Angel Quilting Figurine Jim Shore Enesco Heartwood Creek $23.99 Time Remaining: 1d 12h 56m |
 Jim Shore Country Heritage Pig Figurine NIB $23.90 Time Remaining: 29d 19h 5m Buy It Now for only: $23.90 |
 Heartwood Creek Winters Promise Snowman Figurine by Jim Shore 112245 $19.95 Time Remaining: 1d 18h 17m |
 JIM SHORE HEARTWOOD CREEK COLORFUL ANGEL OF CONTENTMENT FIGURINE 2002 RETIRED $19.99 Time Remaining: 1d 18h 24m |
 Jim Shore Heartwood Creek Mini Fox Figurine 4021449 $11.70 Time Remaining: 28d 15h 30m Buy It Now for only: $11.70 |
 The Joy of Christmas Morning Angel Figurine Jim Shore Heartwood Creek Enesco $24.00 Time Remaining: 1d 19h 50m Buy It Now for only: $30.00 |
 Jim Shore Heartwood Creek BETSY ROSS Figurine 4021138 $47.45 Time Remaining: 26d 10h 41m Buy It Now for only: $47.45 |
 Enesco Jim Shore Heartwood Creek Angel of Healing Figurine NWT 2006 $9.89 (4 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 22h 47m |
 Set of 4 Seasonal Season Angel Figurines Statue Lot Spring Summer Fall Jim Shore $102.00 Time Remaining: 2d 7h 32m Buy It Now for only: $115.00 |
 HEARTWOOD CREEK Jim Shore Figurine 4026880 MINI ROOSTER $9.56 Time Remaining: 15d 16h 42m Buy It Now for only: $9.56 |
 Jim Shore Angel Figurine Baptized In His Name $12.99 Time Remaining: 2d 9h 47m |
 Jim Shore Heartwood Creek QUAIL Figurine 4021433 $32.95 Time Remaining: 26d 10h 41m Buy It Now for only: $32.95 |
 JIM SHORE Set of 4 WIZARD OF OZ FIGURINES Dorothy Lion Tinman Scarecrow $24.00 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 2d 13h 25m |
 Jim Shore Heartwood Creek Enesco February Girl Figurine Angel Collectible Violet $1.04 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 2d 13h 30m |
 Jim Shore Patriotic Angel Figurine God Bless Our Heroes 4026441 $35.99 Time Remaining: 29d 5h 10m Buy It Now for only: $35.99 |
 Jim Shore Angel of Hospitality Teapot Figurine $15.00 Time Remaining: 2d 15h 44m |
 Jim Shore Heartwood Creek PHEASANT Figurine 4021434 $37.45 Time Remaining: 26d 10h 41m Buy It Now for only: $37.45 |
 ENESCO JIM SHORE SANTA NAUGHTY NICE HE KNOWS FIGURINE NEW IN BOX $29.99 Time Remaining: 2d 16h 12m |
 Hey diddle diddle Cow Jumped Over the Moon Figurine Jim Shore Heartwood Creek $14.99 Time Remaining: 2d 16h 27m |
 Jim Shore MINI PENGUIN Figurine 4021441 $10.99 Time Remaining: 24d 19h 18m Buy It Now for only: $10.99 |
 Mother Goose Rhyme Thyme Figurine Jim Shore Heartwood Creek $14.99 Time Remaining: 2d 16h 29m |
 Jim Shore Disney Traditions PRINCESS TIANA Figurine 4026081 $52.95 Time Remaining: 26d 10h 41m Buy It Now for only: $52.95 |
 Jim Shore Frosty Santa Santa Snowman Figurine Enesco NEW IN BOX $22.99 Time Remaining: 2d 16h 59m |
 JIM SHORE HEARTWOOD CREEK DELIVERING WINTER WISHES COLLECTIBLE FIGURINE 4005320 $27.00 Time Remaining: 2d 17h 52m Buy It Now for only: $30.00 |
 Jim Shore CAT STAR PATTERN 4025834 Knightly Heartwood Creek Figurine $29.95 Time Remaining: 26d 10h 41m Buy It Now for only: $29.95 |
 Jim Shore I Appreciate you Girl Figurine $5.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 2d 18h 55m |
 Jim Shore Disney TINKER BELL NUMBER 3 FIGURINE 4017913 $19.95 Time Remaining: 26d 10h 41m Buy It Now for only: $19.95 |
 Jim Shore I Appreciate you Girl Figurine $9.00 Time Remaining: 2d 19h 21m Buy It Now for only: $12.00 |
 Jim Shore Heartwood Creek Springs Renewal Musical Angel Figurine $14.99 Time Remaining: 3d 1h 1m |
 Jim Shore Patience Cat Figurine $23.99 Time Remaining: 11h 28m Buy It Now for only: $23.99 |
 Jim Shore Heartwood Creek Do This In Remembrance Of Me Angel Figurine $16.99 Time Remaining: 3d 1h 2m |
 Jim Shore Bulldog Figurine Chesty Heartwood Creek $18.00 Time Remaining: 28d 15h 31m Buy It Now for only: $18.00 |
 Jim Shore Heartwood Creek Praying Angel Figurine $14.99 Time Remaining: 3d 1h 2m |
 Jim Shore Tall Cow Bull Farmer Figure Statue Complete Set 4 Figurines $29.99 Time Remaining: 3d 15h 17m Buy It Now for only: $45.00 |
 New Jim Shore MINI WITCH ON BROOM FIGURINE 4024653 $13.99 Time Remaining: 24d 17h 12m Buy It Now for only: $13.99 |
 2003 Enesco Jim Shore Heartwood Creek Rabbit Figurine $15.00 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 3d 17h 48m |
 Jim Shore IRISH SANTA FIGURINE 4017647 $29.95 Time Remaining: 26d 10h 41m Buy It Now for only: $29.95 |
 Jim Shore Siamese Cat Figurine Genghis Heartwood Creek $15.00 Time Remaining: 3d 23h 15m Buy It Now for only: $18.00 |
 Jim Shore Heartwood Creek 2007 Santa Claws Christmas Cat Figurine 7 $15.00 Time Remaining: 3d 23h 18m Buy It Now for only: $18.00 |
 Jim Shore Disney BELLE THE BEAST Figurine 4015339 $34.60 Time Remaining: 26d 10h 41m Buy It Now for only: $34.60 |
 HEARTWOOD CREEK ANGEL OF LOVE 108924 FIGURINE BY JIM SHORE $20.00 Time Remaining: 4d 5h 49m |
 Jim Shore Mini Bluebird Figurine FREE US SHIPPING $13.95 Time Remaining: 29d 20h 8m Buy It Now for only: $13.95 |
 Jim Shore Give Thanks Pilgrim Woman w Pie Heartland Creek 2004 Figurine $26.99 Time Remaining: 4d 9h 4m |
 NIB Jim Shore HAND IN HAND Bear W Kitty Cat Figurine 4008185 VERY DETAILED $14.95 Time Remaining: 4d 14h 35m |
 Jim Shore Fairy Princess with Frog Figurine Have You Kissed A Frog Today $23.40 Time Remaining: 28d 15h 31m Buy It Now for only: $23.40 |
 NIB Jim Shore Heartwood Creek MAJESTIC BEAUTY Swan Figurine 4026850 AMAZING $29.95 Time Remaining: 4d 14h 35m |
 Jim Shore PELICAN ON DOCK FIGURINE Gone Fishin 4016363 $34.95 Time Remaining: 26d 10h 41m Buy It Now for only: $34.95 |
 NIB Jim Shore MEADOWLARK A Warbling Wonder Figurine 4026849 NEBR STATE BIRD $26.95 Time Remaining: 4d 14h 35m |
 NIB Jim Shore SEW BRAVE Personality POSE MICKEY MOUSE Figurine 4016553 $18.95 Time Remaining: 4d 14h 35m |
 Disney Jim Shore Tinkerbell Believe Word Plaque Figurine 4027138 NEW $28.97 Time Remaining: 6d 19h 20m Buy It Now for only: $28.97 |
 NEW Jim Shore Mini Fox Figurine 4021449 VERY DETAILED $9.95 Time Remaining: 4d 14h 35m |
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Gold Artisans, Filigree Artists of Colombia
“ In the first steps the skillful worker receives the stone which has been reduced to dust,..rubs it over a wide tilted plank pouring water over it all the time; then, the earthly matter in it, disolved by the water, runs down the plank while the one that has the gold in it stays on the board due to its weight. Repeating this a number of times, first he rubs it softly and pressing lightly with loose-texture sponges it takes away the porous and earthly matter until all is left is pure gold dust”
When I saw Aicardo López working it was like no 2000 years have passed since Diodoro of Sicily, the Greek historian from the 1st century b.C, described like this how the ancient egipcians extracted gold from the bowels of the Earth. Aicardo’s tools, a man in his 50s with the tan and wrinkles of someone used to working under the sun, were so traditional like the egipcian’s: a type of beaten wooden box, over it a strainer for the larger stones and the only testimonies we were in the 21st century were a construction worker helmet that served as a water bucket and a shovel. There, at the Cauca river shore a few meters from the ancient Puente de Occidente, that minute figure bent down over his tools and somewhat imprisoned by the storm clouds and the mountains that form the river canyon, was a faithful reminder of the indian tradition of paying tribute to their gods through gold.
Of all Colombian indian gold tribes none settled this part of the mid-Cauca river valley. Southward up the same valley the Quimbaya indians created their beautiful figurines by the lost wax process. They molded their figurines in beeswax covering it with a layer of clay and putting all this in a fire the wax melted out of the clay block leaving the empty shape inside ready to pour in the tumbaga, a copper and gold alleation just like it’s done nowadays, maybe taking the form of one of the famous ‘poporos’ inspired in nature. North of the town of Santa Fe de Antioquia was the indian culture of Urabá who molded also natural representations, specially animals with raised tails or two-headed birds. However the first filigree instructors, the art of creating figures with gold thread, in Santa Fe de Antioquia weren’t the indian gold artisans but people from Mompox where curiously gold was not mined but hoarded up in the era when the Spaniards stripped their colonies from all the gold they could gather. Through time the Santa Fe citizens learned filigree many times passed from generation to generation like Anibal Ramos tells it: “I have been doing this for around 18 years. This is like hereditary. My brother taught me whom was taught by an uncle himself. If any of my children has this talent then I’ll teach him too.”
Filigree is an ancient art and the greeks practiced already in the 5th century b.C after working with granulation where tiny gold balls are set up to form delicate designs in relief.
At the Jaime Benitez shop, one of the traditional last names of Santa Fe filigree, an artisan passes a gold bar some 2 ½ inches long through a machine with rollers similar to a spaghetti cutter. The gold bar, one of the most malleable metals in the world, stretches and stretches unimaginably to the point when it becomes a thick thread that the artisan then passes through ruby discs with different callibers until what was a small gold bar is now a thread as thin as hair. Now the true art begins. With this thread many things can be done. Braided for example, it gives a beautiful relief. Benitez, meanwhile, is working on a ring for a ‘quinceañera’. Life for the people of Santa Fe is marked like a pendulum by their gold jewels. The newborn receives a gold bracelet, then comes First Communion, fifteen years in the case of girls, graduation, marriage. In Santa Fe’s old women’s ears and hands are represented all the special days of their lives. The traditional designs reign: the ‘woven small ball’, that “is not seen anywhere else, everything we do: the ‘little rose’, the ‘little tomatoes’, all that comes from antiquity” Jaime Benitez explains.
And the work is meticulous. Gold grains as well as tiny gold thread rings are handled, and where two figures touch each other a millimetric golden solder joins the parts. Little by little, minute by minute, a ring gets its final shape. Four hours of work leave a ring blackened by the solder flame. Still ahead is polishing and cleaning. It’s not easy work. Like Anibal Ramos said to me when I asked if he was ever to teach his kids the filigree art: “This is a very ungrateful job, the artisan works too hard and never gets from what to live”
After working 6 hours digging and filtering, Aicardo Lopez got his day retribution and before the afternoon rain placed a slip of paper with 3 grams of gold dust inside an El Rey matchbox. It was not a bad day for him; he will get 11.000 pesos (around six dollars) for that quantity. It didn’t matter to him that the next day that gold would become a handmade filigree jewel whose value for the owner will be more than double what it paid for it.
About the Author
I am a professional photographer who usually writes the text for my assignments. My images and text have been published in many magazines, calendars and books around the world.
Carlos Sastoque Photography