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Bird Bead
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.
About this work
Muisca metalwork divides into two categories: ornaments to be worn, such as these, and offering figurines, in the case to the right. The elaborate bird pendant features delicate herringbone moldings, openwork patterns, and wing details-all part of the wax model from which the pendant was cast (see nearby computer animation). The dangles were attached after casting.
Cleveland Museum of Art’s own descriptionCredit lineBird Bead, c. 900–1550. Colombia, Muisca style. Cast gold. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of Mrs. Edward S. Harkness in memory of Mrs. Stephen V. Harkness, 1949.190.n
