Artwork Page for Bird Beads

Details / Information for Bird Beads

Bird Beads

c. 900–1550

Colombia, Muisca style

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Medium
cast gold
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Edward S. Harkness in memory of Mrs. Stephen V. Harkness 1949.190
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Description

Muisca metalwork divides into two categories: ornaments to be worn, such as these, and offering figurines, in the case to the right. The elaborate bird pendant features delicate herringbone moldings, openwork patterns, and wing details-all part of the wax model from which the pendant was cast (see nearby computer animation). The dangles were attached after casting.
A gold jewelry fragment features sixteen bird-like beads arranged in a horizontal arc. Each bead depicts a textured bird with folded wings and an upward-pointing head. From the base of each bird, a thin ring suspends a flat, heart-shaped pendant with a smooth surface. The warm yellow metal ornament curves upward at both ends, creating a rhythmic sequence of repeating avian forms and dangling geometric shapes.

Bird Beads

c. 900–1550

Colombia, Muisca style

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