Bird Bead

c. 900–1550
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.
Bird Bead

Bird Bead

c. 900–1550

Colombia, Muisca style

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The Lost-Wax Casting Process

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