Another way to approach prehispanic goldwork, and this is the one we have chosen, is that of looking at its historic development within the broadest context of social evolution. An analysis of goldworking practices is founded on two suppositions: firstly, it must be remembered that the articles produced by the goldsmiths were intimately associated with the activities of specialized political and religious leaders, who came into being only after the establishment of complex societies, during the last stages of prehispanic development. The second premise is that metal work can only attain truly significant dimensions, such as occurred in prehispanic  Colombia, when populations are capable of sustaining specialists who dedicate their create efforts to that activity. To be skilled goldsmith not only requires extraordinary ability but also a long period of apprenticeship. The work demands technical knowledge and an efficient and complex work scheme for mining and smelting metals, manufacturing molds and mass producing pieces.

The history of prehispanic goldwork is, without a doubt, the result  of the political and economic development of the indigenous societies. Based on this premise, we wish to describe the development and cultural context of goldwork in the following order: firstly, by delving into the technological and cultural aspects of working metals. In this area the intimate relationship between the elite, comprised of chieftains and shamans, and goldwork, will be made perfectly clear, as well as the level of knowledge that ancient goldsmiths mastered. Then, we shall begin to ask ourselves how it was that these specialists came into being and what the primary manifestations of those processes in the different regions of Colombia.

Prior to the Spanish conquest, in the territory that comprises present day Colombia, one constant held true for all goldwork, 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 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."

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, metals was often used to manufacture receptacles for narcotic drugs, as well  as mask 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.

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