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Bird Pendant
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The kinds of birds represented in pendants of the isthmus are not clear, though the emphasis on spread wings and flight suggests birds that soar, such as eagles or hawks. In addition to their aerial agility, they are powerful birds of prey and, therefore, may have symbolized a warrior's or hunter's ferocity and skill. They were also often linked to the sun. Better understanding is difficult because the makers created no written records.
| Artist / Maker | Anonymous, 10th-16th century |
|---|---|
| Date | c. 1000–1550 |
| Culture / Origin | Panama, Veraguas-Chiriquí style, 10th-16th century |
| Medium | cast gold |
| Dimensions | Overall: 5.6 x 6.5 x 2 cm (2 3/16 x 2 9/16 x 13/16 in.) |
| Department | Art of the Americas |
| Type | Metalwork |
About the Artist
Provenance & Source
Image & data: Cleveland Museum of Art, CC0 / Public Domain.
Condition
A detailed condition report and high-resolution photography are available from our specialists in advance of the sale.
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