Veraguas Gold Raptor Bird Pendant
Veraguas Gold Raptor Bird Pendant
Veraguas Gold Raptor Bird Pendant
Veraguas Gold Raptor Bird Pendant
Veraguas Gold Raptor Bird Pendant
Veraguas Gold Raptor Bird Pendant
Veraguas Gold Raptor Bird Pendant
Veraguas Gold Raptor Bird Pendant
Veraguas Gold Raptor Bird Pendant
Veraguas Gold Raptor Bird Pendant
Veraguas Gold Raptor Bird Pendant
Veraguas Gold Raptor Bird Pendant
Veraguas Gold Raptor Bird Pendant
Veraguas Gold Raptor Bird Pendant
Veraguas Gold Raptor Bird Pendant
Veraguas Gold Raptor Bird Pendant
Veraguas Gold Raptor Bird Pendant
Veraguas Gold Raptor Bird Pendant
Veraguas Gold Raptor Bird Pendant
Veraguas Gold Raptor Bird Pendant Veraguas Gold Raptor Bird Pendant Veraguas Gold Raptor Bird Pendant Veraguas Gold Raptor Bird Pendant Veraguas Gold Raptor Bird Pendant Veraguas Gold Raptor Bird Pendant Veraguas Gold Raptor Bird Pendant Veraguas Gold Raptor Bird Pendant Veraguas Gold Raptor Bird Pendant

Veraguas Gold Raptor Bird Pendant

16526

$9,500.00
/
Shipping calculated at checkout.

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Panama Circa 500 to 1520 AD  

The raptorial bird cast with bulging eyes and hook beak, small feet with individual talons.  Large wings and tail spread. The wings with indications of feathers;  loophole for suspension behind.  The bird-like design with curved wings and stylized features is characteristic of Panamanian goldwork. The Veraguas were known for creating fantastical three-dimensional images of birds and other animals found in their wetland environment and they produced ceremonial adornments that expressed social, religious, and ritual themes using gold as a symbol of rank and prestige.  Their goldsmiths created elaborate pieces for both ceremonial use and as burial offerings for their leaders. This type of ornamental piece would have likely served a ceremonial or status-indicating purpose, as gold in Pre-Columbian societies was primarily used for ritual and regalia rather than utilitarian purposes
Size 9.1cm H x 11.5 cm W.; 2-3/8 inches H x 3-1/4 inches W.; 22k; weight  52g.

XRF analysis shows the piece is made of 21.8K gold, with an elemental composition of:
91.02% gold (Au)
5.88% silver (Ag)
2.85% copper (Cu)
0.26% iron (Fe)

Compare similar example in 'To Capture the Sun: Gold of Ancient Panama, the Gilcrease Museum’, Tulsa, Oklahoma exhibition. 
Provenance: From the estate of Andres Illies, who inherited it from his grandfather, Ferdinand Grebien. Mr. Ferdinand Grebien was born in Austria, and arrived in Panama in 1911 to work on the construction of the canal. 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 Colón. Grebien was an avid collector of ancient Pre Columbian gold. Shown in the listing is a photo of Ferdinand Grebien displaying part of his gold collection at the 1964 World’s fair in NY.

 

All pieces are unconditionally guaranteed authentic and as described in perpetuity and have been legally acquired and imported in full accordance with U.S. and applicable foreign regulations regarding the movement and sale of antiquities.

A signed guarantee of authenticity with a description and photograph of the item(s) accompanies this object.

We ship Tuesday to Friday with UPS or USPS and usually same day if your order is received before 2pm. Depending on size and destination, delivery times range from one to five business days.

For overseas shipments our shipping charge includes packing, preparation of all customs paperwork, insurance and carrier fees in compliance with all USA and International customs requirements.

Overseas shipments are usually sent by courier but contact us if you have a shipping preference. International customers are responsible for all duties and taxes. 

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