Name: Gran Cocle Gold Avian
Brand: Art for Eternity
SKU: 16550
Price: 4250.0 USD
Availability: InStock

Gran Cocle Gold Avian - Art for Eternity

$4,250.00

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Panama Circa 500 to 1520 AD

The raptorial bird cast with hook beak, small feet with individual talons and wings and tail fan spread, loop hole for suspension behind characteristic of Panamanian goldwork.
Size 5.8cm; 2-1/4 inches W. x 4.2 cm; 1-5/8 inches H. weight 25g.
Those ancient craftsmen 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.
The XRF elemental analysis shows a gold alloy composition of approximately 84% gold (Au), 11% silver (Ag), and 5% copper (Cu), which is characteristic of Pre-Columbian tumbaga alloys. The bird-like ornament with spread wings and distinctive stylized design is also typical of Pre-Columbian decorative metalwork.

The 20.2K gold composition and the presence of copper as an intentional alloying element is particularly significant. Pre-Columbian metallurgists deliberately created these alloy combinations to achieve specific colors and working properties. The small amount of iron (Fe) at 0.19% is likely an impurity rather than an intentional addition.

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.

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.

Gran Cocle Gold Avian

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Gran Cocle Gold Avian