Pre-Columbian, Colombia, Tairona, ca. 1000 to 1500 CE. A lovely necklace strung with semi-translucent gray chalcedony, black stones, 57.3% (equivalent to 13K+) gold spacer beads, and an 80.9% gold (19K+) bird pendant at the center. This is wearable piece, strung in modern times on a wire with a simple brass hook clasp. The beads are arranged in a balanced composition - petite rounded discs, bullet shapes, tubular, and barrel. The bird pendant is cast using the lost wax process featuring a broad tail, parrot like beak with bulging eyes, and the underside contains an integral suspension loop. The Tairona produced some of the most complex, beautiful gold alloy objects ever made in the New World and this bird would have been worn by someone powerful in the society, and it may have indicated a clan affiliation or role. Size (necklace): 19.5" L (49.5 cm); (bird pendant): 0.875" L x 0.6" W (2.2 cm x 1.5 cm); gold quality: 57.3% to 80.9% (equivalent to 13K+ to 19K+); total weight: 45.3 grams

Provenance: private Atlanta, Georgia, USA collection, acquired 1989; ex-Gary Coleman collection, Atlanta, Georgia, USA, acquired 1976; ex-private Burnaby, British Columbia collection, Canada, before 1972

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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.

#172593

Wearable as shown and strung in modern times on modern necklace wire. Nicks and abrasions to stone beads and light mineral deposits on several. Surface pitting to bird, otherwise intact and excellent.