The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of December 25, 2025

Bird Beads

c. 900–1550

Colombia, Muisca style

cast gold
Gift of Mrs. Edward S. Harkness in memory of Mrs. Stephen V. Harkness 1949.190
Location: Not on view

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.
  • Treasures of Peruvian Gold. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (February 23-April 3, 1966).
  • {{cite web|title=Bird Beads|url=false|author=|year=c. 900–1550|access-date=25 December 2025|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1949.190