Pre-Columbian, Panama or Costa Rica, Veraguas (Chiriqui), ca. 500 to 1200 CE. A splendid 83.4% gold (equivalent to 20K) bell pendant with a bird perched atop, presenting a dramatic form with outspread wings. The body is a hollow, rounded shape that contains the clapper ball and a horizontal slit on the bottom for emitting sound. The body tapers inward to a flat top with two ridges surrounding the bird’s clawed feet. The bird stands upright, with wings out, tail projecting back and head facing forward. The beak curves downward and the eyes bulge out to the sides. Under the tail is an integral suspension loop. This beautiful bell would have been sewn onto clothing or woven into jewelry. Imagine the brilliantly colored birds such as macaws and toucans that inhabit the lush rain forests of Costa Rica and Panama. These birds and other loud and vibrant creatures are the inspiration for the goldwork of the region. Cast by the lost-wax (cire perdue) process, Veraguas goldworks range from naturalistic to abstract. Avian motifs are popular since they were prized for their colorful feathers, and birds were considered mystical creatures that could fly beyond this world. The amazing craftsmanship of these master goldsmiths is preserved in this bell which is both of artistic and spiritual importance. Size: 1.36" L x 0.92" W (3.5 cm x 2.3 cm); quality of gold: 83.4% (equivalent to 20K); total weight: 32.4 grams

Gold became the preferred material for creating fashionable ornaments in the Pre-Columbian world sometime after 500 CE replacing jadeite and other green stones from which artists had made impressive jewelry for centuries. Indeed, the ancient cultures of the New World created countless gold ornaments and ceremonial objects. Unfortunately, however, the Spanish conquistadors melted nearly all of these to convert them to gold bars and coins for Spain. Given this, surviving genuine pre-Columbian gold is rare and highly coveted by collectors.

For a similar example please see the Metropolitan Museum of Art accession number: 66.196.6

This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world’s largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques.

Provenance: ex-private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-private M. R. collection, acquired in Panama in 1969

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#163655

Surface abrasions and nicks and bell body near opening slit. Light mineral deposits on bird. Contains clapper ball and emits a rattling sound. Suspended on modern thread.