Final answer:
The Tumbaga pendant showing a Tairona ruler was most likely created through the casting process, a common method in ancient metalworking used to achieve complex shapes and details.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Tumbaga pendant depicting a Tairona ruler would most likely have been created using a casting method. The casting process, especially in ancient metalworking, involves pouring molten metal into a mold where it solidifies into the desired shape. This method was common in the creation of pre-Columbian goldwork, which often featured high-level craftsmanship with fine detail.
Looking at other historical artifacts for context, such as bronze statues and gold crowns from various cultures, casting was the preferred technique for creating metal objects that required complex shapes and details. For instance, bronze mirrors during the Han times were similarly cast with intricate patterns, a process resembling that which would have been used for the Tumbaga pendant.