Tairona Tumbaga Amulet of Bird Man
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Description
Pre-Columbian, Colombia, Tairona culture, ca. 1200 to 1500 CE. A beautiful tumbaga (alloy of copper and gold) ornament, cast using the lost wax process, with its surface enriched by the depletion method to bring out the golden color of the alloy. The pendant is in the form of human wearing an elaborate bird mask and headdress with its curved wings spread wide. A long-beaked nose with a curl on its upper part and bulging eyes form the bird's face, while sprays of feathers emerge from the sides of the head. Below that, the body is clearly human, with the hands curled into fists at the figure's sides. The undecorated back has a loop set deep into the hollow interior of the head. The Tairona produced some of the most complex, beautiful gold alloy objects ever made in the New World. This would have been worn by someone powerful in the society, and likely depicts a shamanic transformation. Size: 2.1" W x 4" H (5.3 cm x 10.2 cm)
Provenance: private southern California, USA collection, acquired in the 1970s to mid-1980s
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#141065
Provenance: private southern California, USA collection, acquired in the 1970s to mid-1980s
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#141065
Condition
Piece is in fragile condition, with some separation of the headdress from the body and losses to the feet and upper part of the headdress. Head has been reattached. Very nice remaining detail and clear form.
Buyer's Premium
- 24.5%
Tairona Tumbaga Amulet of Bird Man
Estimate $900 - $1,500
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Item located in Louisville, CO, usSee Policy for Shipping
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