For two millennia before the con quest, the Middle Cauca was in habited by farmers and miners of gold and salt, potters and goldsmiths. The gold of the early period (500 BC to 600 AD) shows iconic figures of leaders, men and women, as symbols of identity. The colors, brightness and shapes of pumpkins, ahuyamas, gourds and women all uded to fertility. One poporo stands or lime container shaped likea woman of high rank in ritual attitude.