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Pre-Columbian, Colombia, Tairona culture, ca. 800 to 1200 CE. Finely carved from pale greenstone, perhaps steatite, this is a striking pendant known as a batwing pectoral. This is one of the more abstract and minimalist types that is elongated with rounded terminals and 2 piercings for suspension through the center, perhaps to also represent eyes. These suspension tabs are then flanked by the lengthy cylindrical "wings." Bat-wing pendants served a symbolic purpose and have been found in the regions spanning from southern Mexico to Venezuela as well as on some islands in the Caribbean, often found in caches of other stone artifacts buried under floors of houses and temples. The ancients of the Americas traditionally associated bats that swooped and darted in the night sky with rain and fertility, and green color of the stones also symbolized this fertility. Size: 8.3" L x 0.9" W (21.1 cm x 2.3 cm)

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

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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.

#167493

Small chip near periphery on one end. Expected nicks, abrasions, and scratches, commensurate with age. Otherwise, intact and excellent with smoothly carved surfaces.