Tamsa: An Elegant Money Bank for a Better Future

A Tribute to the Muiscas and the Legend of El Dorado

Tamsa, which means "offering" in Chibcha, takes inspiration from the ritual of the Muiscas tribe, where the heir to the throne was covered in gold and emeralds before being washed in the guatavita lagoon as an offering to the gods. This ritual gave rise to the legendary city of El Dorado, a city covered in gold. Tamsa captures the essence of this ritual and myth, recreating the act of offering in the most elegant way.

What sets Tamsa apart from traditional money banks is its purposeful design. While most money banks are made to hide their contents, Tamsa becomes a centerpiece that proudly displays the coins collected in our day-to-day journey. It serves as a reminder to the owner to make an offering to their savings, reinforcing the importance of financial responsibility.

Tamsa is crafted using a combination of clay and galvanized steel. The dish and the vase, the two main components of the design, are given a brass-like finish through an electrolytic bath. The vase features a rubber cover inside to protect the coins from damage, while a set of three neodymium magnets securely holds the dish in place, ensuring safe handling.

With dimensions of 250 mm x 250 mm x 90 mm, Tamsa is a visually striking piece. The base is made of black matte clay, measuring 244 mm x 244 mm x 80 mm, while the dish is made of steel with a brass finish, measuring 250 mm x 250 mm x 60 mm.

Tamsa is not just a functional object; it is a work of art that evokes tradition and culture in a timeless way. By merging the legend of El Dorado with the ritual of offering, Jose Roca has created a piece that transcends boundaries and can be appreciated in any context. It serves as a conversation starter, inviting dialogue about the importance of savings and the pursuit of a secure future.

Tamsa is a result of extensive research and creative problem-solving. Jose Roca delved into the culture, myths, legends, and traditions of the Muiscas to create a design that captures their essence. Through focus groups and a deep understanding of traditional manufacturing methods, Tamsa was brought to life.

Recognized for its ingenuity and creativity, Tamsa was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Furniture Design category in 2020. This prestigious award honors designs that exhibit strong technical and creative skills, contributing to improvements in quality of life.

Tamsa is not just a money bank; it is a symbol of hope, tradition, and the pursuit of a better future. With its elegant design and meaningful concept, Tamsa invites us to reflect on our financial goals and make offerings to our savings for a secure tomorrow.