Pre-Columbian, Colombia, Tairona, ca. 1000 to 1500 CE. A wearable necklace comprised of 48 ancient quartzite crystal and carnelian beads with an electrum pendant of hummingbirds. The beads are hand-carved in tubular and spherical shapes and strung in modern times on a wire as a balanced composition. The central pendant features a pair of flying hummingbirds surmounted on a T-shaped base. Hummingbirds were often referred to as "feathered gems" for their brilliant, iridescent feathers - and their remarkable speed and unusual diet of flower nectar made them special and symbolic. Birds were a popular theme in ancient Mesoamerican art as they were thought to be messengers of the gods who were able to traverse through all realms of existence as well as the afterlife. Size (strand doubled): 23" L (58.4 cm); (hummingbird pendant): 1.75" L x 1.125" W (4.4 cm x 2.9 cm); electrum quality: 50% gold (equivalent to 12K); 50% silver; total weight: 80.8 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.

#172591

Wearable as shown and strung on modern necklace cord. Stable fissures on carnelian beads, nicks and abrasions on quartzite beads. Green patina and black toning on electrum pendant, some surface abrasions, but intact and excellent.