The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of September 14, 2024

Bird Bead

Bird Bead

c. 900–1550
cast gold
Gift of Mrs. Edward S. Harkness in memory of Mrs. Stephen V. Harkness 1949.190.a
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.
  • Cleveland, OH: The Cleveland Museum of Art; February 23-April 3, 1966. "Treasures of Peruvian Gold."
  • {{cite web|title=Bird Bead|url=false|author=|year=c. 900–1550|access-date=14 September 2024|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

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