Bird Bead
Unknown Artist
c. 900–1550
Medium
cast gold
Classification
Jewelry
Department
Art of the Americas
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Gift of Mrs. Edward S. Harkness in memory of Mrs. Stephen V. Harkness
Accession Number
1949.190.h
About this artwork
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.