Pre-Columbian, Panama or Costa Rica, Veraguas (Chiriqui), ca. 500 to 1200 CE. An amazing wearable necklace strung together from a collection of over 100 ancient turquoise, lapis, and jade stones, 4 high quality gold beads, and gold bird pendant. The modern wire strand and lobster clasp are threaded with dozens of discoidal and rounded stones, hand polished and drilled for ornamentation. The 66.91% to 71.29% (equivalent to 16K+ to 17K+) gold hollow spheres are evenly spaced and accent the verdant green and blue hues. At the center is the lost wax (cire perdue) cast 94.98% (22K+) gold bird pendant - the wings outstretched, and a prominent hooked bill flanked by bulging eyes. Veraguas goldworks range from naturalistic to abstract and avian motifs were popular since they were prized for their colorful feathers and mystical power of flight. This is a lovely accessory that is elegant, yet perfect for casual wear! Size (necklace): 21" L (53.3 cm); (bird pendant): 1" L x 0.75" W (2.5 cm x 1.9 cm); gold quality: 66.91% to 94.98% (equivalent to 16K+ to 22K+); weight: 21.6 grams

Central American avian pendants are perhaps the best known Precolumbian gold objects. Created to be suspended around the neck, they were made in various sizes, ranging from less than an inch in height to more than five inches. Single bird pendants are most common; double bird pendants like this one are more rare. Considered to be stylized representations of birds of prey with prominent beaks, scholars suggest that these pendants served as protective emblems.

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.

Provenance: ex-Dodge collection, Colorado, USA; ex-Kelley collection, before 2000

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#170071

Wearable with modern wire and lobster clasp as shown. Beads are ancient with minor nicks to stone beads. Indentations and one pinhole perforation to gold spheres. Bird pendant is excellent with a modern gold bail added for suspension.