Pre-Columbian, Colombia, Tairona culture, ca. 10th to 16th century CE. A large example of a "batwing" pectoral, so called because of its resemblance to the flying mammal, although the actual meaning of its form is unknown. The pectoral is carved from beautiful, olive green slate with mottled white inclusions. The "wings" widen slightly towards their terminals; the "head," a low protrusion at the upper center, is drilled through the center for suspension. Items of this general shape have been found from southern Mexico to Venezuela as well as on some islands in the Caribbean and are often discovered in caches of other stone artifacts buried under floors of houses and temples. The Kogi and Ica people, who are direct descendants of the Tairona, wear similar items as rattles, attached to the elbows of dancers. They may have been used similarly in the Pre-Columbian era. Size: 13.5" L x 1.8" W (34.3 cm x 4.6 cm)

Provenance: private J. Hart collection, Houston, Texas, USA, acquired mid-1970s

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#167484

Minor chips to wing tips and surfaces, otherwise intact and very good.