Eagle Ornament
Unknown Artist
7th–16th century
Medium
Gold (cast)
Dimensions
Height 1/2 in. (1.3 cm)
Classification
Metal-Ornaments
Culture
Costa Rica
Department
Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift and Bequest of Alice K. Bache, 1974, 1977
Accession Number
1974.271.43
Tags
Art Historical Context
This delicate **Eagle Ornament**, from cast gold, hails from ancient Costa Rica and dates to the expansive period between the 7th and 16th centuries—a time spanning pre-Columbian cultures before European contact. Measuring just 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) in height, its diminutive size belies the sophistication of the goldworking techniques employed, likely lost-wax casting, which artisans to create intricate, hollow forms with remarkable precision. Now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of's Department of Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas, it was acquired through the generous Gift and Bequest of...