AMICA ID:
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MMA_.1979.206.538
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AMICA Library Year:
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2000
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Object Type:
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Costume and Jewelry
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Creator Nationality:
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North American; Central American; Panamanian
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Creator Name-CRT:
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Panamian
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Title:
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Double Eagle Pendant
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View:
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Full View
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Creation Date:
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1st-5th century
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Creation Start Date:
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1
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Creation End Date:
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499
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Materials and Techniques:
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Cast gold
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Classification Term:
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Metalwork, Ornament
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Dimensions:
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H. 4 3/8 in. (11.1 cm)
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AMICA Contributor:
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The Metropolitan Museum of Art
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Owner Location:
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New York, New York, USA
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ID Number:
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1979.206.538
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Credit Line:
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The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection, Bequest of Nelson A. Rockefeller, 1979
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Rights:
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Context:
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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:
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MMA_.ao1979.206.538.R.tif
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