COLLECTION NAME:
The AMICA Library
Record
AMICA ID:
MMA_.1979.206.538
AMICA Library Year:
2000
Object Type:
Costume and Jewelry
Creator Nationality:
North American; Central American; Panamanian
Creator Name-CRT:
Panamian
Title:
Double Eagle Pendant
View:
Full View
Creation Date:
1st-5th century
Creation Start Date:
1
Creation End Date:
499
Materials and Techniques:
Cast gold
Classification Term:
Metalwork, Ornament
Dimensions:
H. 4 3/8 in. (11.1 cm)
AMICA Contributor:
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Owner Location:
New York, New York, USA
ID Number:
1979.206.538
Credit Line:
The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection, Bequest of Nelson A. Rockefeller, 1979
Context:
The bird-form pendants of Central America are perhaps the best known type of Precolumbian gold object. Made to be worn suspended around the neck, they were fabricated in many sizes, from those that are less than an inch in height to others of more than five inches. While the pendants differ in specific details, the basic configuration is usually the same. They have extended wings over open, splayed tails and heads and beaks that project strongly forward. Single birds are the most common, although double images, like this one, also occur. These pendants are stylized representations of birds of prey often holding small objects in their prominent beaks. The pendants may have functioned as protective emblems.
Related Image Identifier Link:
MMA_.ao1979.206.538.R.tif
