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Bird Pendant, c. 1000-1550 (cast gold)
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Bird Pendant, c. 1000-1550 (cast gold)
XOS5871508 Bird Pendant, c. 1000-1550 (cast gold) by Mesoamerican; 10.6x12.7 cm; Cleveland Museum of Art, OH, USA; (add.info.: Costa Rica, DiquAis region, or Panama, 11th-16th century
Among the pendants shown here are a crustacean (1943.290), an animal-headed figure (1948.18), and two pendants featuring birds (1951.442 and 1946.223). The latter were dubbed aguilas (eagles) by Christopher Columbus, who saw natives wearing them as necklace ornaments. Modern researchers are not as sure of the species shown, but some believe that they are birds of prey because talons and beaks are prominent and often clutch something, in one example here a small, disembodied head that holds a clapper. In both examples, two tufts in the form of crocodiles in profile flank the birdsA heads.); Cleveland Museum of Art, OH, USA; out of copyright
Media ID 23563886
© Cleveland Museum of Art, OH, USA / Bridgeman Images
Costa Rica Costa Rican Diquis Figurine Pre Columbian Precolumbian Statuette Treasure
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a remarkable Bird Pendant, crafted between the years 1000 and 1550 in Mesoamerica. Made from cast gold, this pendant measures an impressive 10.6x12.7 cm and is currently housed at the Cleveland Museum of Art in Ohio, USA. The pendant is believed to originate from either Costa Rica's DiquAis region or Panama during the 11th to 16th century. Among other pendants depicted in this image are a crustacean, an animal-headed figure, and two bird pendants - one of which was named "aguilas" (eagles) by Christopher Columbus himself after witnessing natives wearing them as necklace ornaments. While modern researchers are uncertain about the exact species represented by these bird pendants, some speculate that they depict birds of prey due to their prominent talons and beaks often clutching objects. In one example shown here, a small disembodied head holds a clapper. Notably, both bird pendants feature two tufts resembling crocodiles flanking their heads in profile. This intricate detail adds further intrigue to these ancient treasures. As part of the museum's collection, this stunning piece represents not only exceptional craftsmanship but also offers valuable insights into pre-Columbian culture and metalwork techniques. Its golden allure continues to captivate art enthusiasts worldwide with its historical significance and undeniable beauty.
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