Pre-Columbian, Colombia, Sinu, ca. 1000 to 1550 CE. A stunning necklace comprised of dozens and dozens of translucent amber disc shaped beads and nine high quality gold beads (78%-80% gold or equivalent to 18K+) finely cast via the lost-wax (cire perdue) process to depict wondrous animals including four grasshoppers, two hummingbirds, and one frog, as well as two anthropomorphic masks with wide open mouths. One of the most beautiful pieces of wearable art we have had the honor to handle - demonstrating that all forms of life inspired the ancients of the Americas! Size: 16" L (40.6 cm); longest beads (grasshoppers) measure 1.125" L (2.9 cm); total weight - 27.7 grams

Each of the figural beads carries layers of symbolism. The masks, with their dramatic expressions and open mouths suggest chanting or transforming shamans. Grasshoppers and frogs were associated with water, fertility, and imperial success. Hummingbirds were associated with the sun. Appreciated for their shiny, iridescent feathering and aerial acrobatics, hummingbirds made for the ideal solar metaphor. Since these birds are known to hover, seemingly motionless, and fly up, down and even backwards, the ancients likened its motions to that of the sun's hovering in the sky at the solstices when it is also known to reverse its celestial direction. In addition, hummingbirds can assume a torpid state when it is cold at night or during brief periods in the winter. However, they come back to life in the spring warmth. This unique ability to "die" and "resurrect" signified rebirth to the ancients of the Americas, precisely at a time when planting and, in this sense, "renewed life" occurred. How magical!

Provenance: ex-estate of Wylda Hammond Nelson, MD., Davis, California, USA

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#144535

All beads are ancient and present slight wear and nice patina. Strung in modern times with modern fittings.