Veraguas gold double-headed bird applique, Panama ca. 500–1500 AD, front view
Veraguas double-headed gold bird, Panama, view 2
Veraguas double-headed gold bird, Panama, view 3
Veraguas double-headed gold bird, Panama, view 4
Veraguas double-headed gold bird, Panama, view 5
Veraguas double-headed gold bird, Panama, view 6
Pre-Columbian gold collection, Panama and Costa Rica, group photograph
Veraguas gold double-headed bird applique, Panama ca. 500–1500 AD, front view
Veraguas double-headed gold bird, Panama, view 2
Veraguas double-headed gold bird, Panama, view 3
Veraguas double-headed gold bird, Panama, view 4
Veraguas double-headed gold bird, Panama, view 5
Veraguas double-headed gold bird, Panama, view 6
Pre-Columbian gold collection, Panama and Costa Rica, group photograph
Veraguas gold double-headed bird applique, Panama ca. 500–1500 AD, front view
Veraguas gold double-headed bird applique, Panama ca. 500–1500 AD, front view Veraguas double-headed gold bird, Panama, view 2 Veraguas double-headed gold bird, Panama, view 3 Veraguas double-headed gold bird, Panama, view 4 Veraguas double-headed gold bird, Panama, view 5 Veraguas double-headed gold bird, Panama, view 6 Pre-Columbian gold collection, Panama and Costa Rica, group photograph

Veraguas Stylized Gold Double Headed Bird Applique

16552

$945.00
/
Shipping calculated at checkout.
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Panama, Circa 500 to 1500 AD  

A thick sheet gold schematic bird with double heads, spread wings and fan tail; co-joined heads; pierced for attachment.

XRF elemental analysis report reveals a pre-Columbian gold figurine with characteristics typical of ancient American metallurgy. The composition shows it is made of 18K gold (76.9% Au), with significant copper content (19.9% Cu) and a small amount of silver (3.2% Ag), which is consistent with gold alloys commonly used in pre-Columbian metalworking. The object was analyzed using an ElvaX spectrometer, showing a sophisticated understanding of metallurgy by ancient American craftsmen. The flat, cut-out design suggests the piece was likely created using sheet metal working techniques common in pre-Columbian cultures.

Size  2-1/2 inches H. x 2-3/4 in L.  18k; weight  4.6g.


Provenance: From the estate of Christian Illies (1947-2014), Opelika, Alabama who inherited the collection from his grandfather, Ferdinand Grebien (1877-1976).  Christian Illies’ grandfather, Ferdinand Grebien was born in Austria in 1887 and arrived in Panama in 1911 to work on the construction of the canal. In Colon he founded Grebien, Martinz, a major private construction firm, (with more than 1000 employees) that went on to
build many major institutions in Panama, including the Municipal Palace of the  District of Colon. Grebien was an avid lifelong collector of ancient Panamanian gold. We illustrate a black and white photo of Ferdinand Grebien displaying part of his gold collection at the 1964 World’s fair in NY.

Every object is guaranteed authentic and as described, and has been legally acquired and imported in accordance with U.S. and applicable foreign regulations on the movement and sale of antiquities. A signed certificate of authenticity with a description and photograph accompanies this object. Any restoration is described on the invoice.

Free insured shipping within the United States on most pieces; oversized works are quoted at checkout. We pack and ship ourselves, usually within two business days. International shipping by USPS or DHL is calculated at checkout; if your country is not listed, write to us. Customs forms state the full value; international buyers are responsible for duties and taxes.

Any object may be returned within 14 days of receipt for a refund or credit. Contact us first. See Buying from Us.

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