Description:

Pre-Columbian, Panama or Costa Rica, Veraguas (Chiriqui), ca. 500 to 1200 CE. A stunning pair of tumbaga 49.7% to 52.1% gold (11K+ to 12K+) frigatebird pendants cast by the lost-wax (cire perdue) process. The hollow heads and bills are infilled with pottery to retain their delicate shapes; both birds have lengthy beaks with downturned tips, bulging neck pouches, and stylized spiraling head crests and granulated eyes. An integral tubular bail behind their heads enabled these birds to be threaded on a cord as opulent pendants for an elite person. Avian motifs are popular since birds were considered mystical creatures that could fly beyond this world. Frigatebirds are especially symbolic for seafaring and coastal people - they indicated that land was nearby as this species cannot land on water. With a 6-foot wingspan, unique red throat pouch, and hooked bead, they were both symbolic and visually striking! Size: 2" L x 1.125" W (5.1 cm x 2.9 cm); 4.5" H (11.4 cm) on included custom stand; quality of tumbaga: 49.7% to 52.1% gold (11K+ to 12K+); total weight: 24.2 grams

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, acquired 1995 to 2010; ex-Splendors of the World, Haiku, Hawaii, USA, before 2010; ex-Merrin Gallery, New York City, New York, USA

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.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

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.

#173407

  • Condition: Perforations and losses on both as shown. Pottery infill inside both. Indentations and small areas of dark patina. Overall great condition.

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July 14, 2022 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000