Veraguas Gold Bird Pendant - Art for Eternity
Veraguas Gold Bird Pendant - Art for Eternity
Veraguas Gold Bird Pendant - Art for Eternity
Veraguas Gold Bird Pendant - Art for Eternity
Veraguas Gold Bird Pendant - Art for Eternity
Veraguas Gold Bird Pendant - Art for Eternity
Veraguas Gold Bird Pendant - Art for Eternity
Veraguas Gold Bird Pendant - Art for Eternity
Veraguas Gold Bird Pendant - Art for Eternity
Veraguas Gold Bird Pendant - Art for Eternity
Veraguas Gold Bird Pendant - Art for Eternity
Veraguas Gold Bird Pendant - Art for Eternity
Veraguas Gold Bird Pendant - Art for Eternity
Veraguas Gold Bird Pendant - Art for Eternity
Veraguas Gold Bird Pendant - Art for Eternity
Veraguas Gold Bird Pendant - Art for Eternity
Veraguas Gold Bird Pendant - Art for Eternity
Veraguas Gold Bird Pendant - Art for Eternity Veraguas Gold Bird Pendant - Art for Eternity Veraguas Gold Bird Pendant - Art for Eternity Veraguas Gold Bird Pendant - Art for Eternity Veraguas Gold Bird Pendant - Art for Eternity Veraguas Gold Bird Pendant - Art for Eternity Veraguas Gold Bird Pendant - Art for Eternity Veraguas Gold Bird Pendant - Art for Eternity

Veraguas Gold Bird Pendant

16566

$985.00
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Panama Ca. 600 to 800 AD.  

The raptorial bird cast with bulging eyes, wings and tail fan spread.  A loop hole for suspension behind.  
Size  7/8 inches L; 2.1cm.; 20.2k; weight  2.53 g.
XRF Composition Analysis
Gold (Au): 86.49%
Silver (Ag): 3.32%
Copper (Cu): 9.76%
Iron (Fe): 0.43%
This composition perfectly aligns with Pre-Columbian metallurgical ranges, where gold typically dominated (70-95%), with moderate amounts of copper (5-20%) and silver (2-20%), and minimal iron content (less than 1%).

Crafted using traditional Pre-Columbian metalworking techniques, likely through lost-wax casting or sheet forming. The analysis was performed using an ElvaX spectrometer, providing precise measurements of its elemental composition. The lack of plating detection and the specific gold content around 22K aligns with known Pre-Columbian metallurgical practices.

This type of ornamental piece would have held both decorative and symbolic significance in Pre-Columbian societies. Gold was considered a symbol of authority and spiritual power, not monetary value. The bird motif was commonly used in Pre-Columbian artwork, particularly in ceremonial and high-status objects

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. 

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