{"product_id":"veraguas-stylized-gold-double-headed-bird-applique","title":"Veraguas Stylized Gold Double Headed Bird Applique","description":"\u003cp\u003ePanama, Circa 500 to 1500 AD  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA thick sheet gold schematic bird with double heads, spread wings and fan tail; co-joined heads; pierced for attachment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eXRF 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSize  2-1\/2 inches H. x 2-3\/4 in L.  18k; weight  4.6g.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eProvenance: 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\u003cbr\u003ebuild 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Art for Eternity","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50538109894970,"sku":"16552","price":945.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0775\/5120\/6714\/files\/16552blu.jpg?v=1737222465","url":"https:\/\/howardnowes.com\/products\/veraguas-stylized-gold-double-headed-bird-applique","provider":"Art for Eternity","version":"1.0","type":"link"}