Pendant
Artist/Maker
Sinú
(Colombia)
Date500-1500
Mediumgold alloy
DimensionsOverall: 1 3/8 x 5/8 x 5/8 in. (3.5 x 1.6 x 1.6 cm)
ClassificationsCostumes and Accessories
Credit LineGift of Sylvia Coppersmith in memory of Dora Coppersmith
Terms
Object number86.0084
DescriptionSinu goldwork, such as this pendant with condor, was traded over a wide area and was the first of its kind to attract the attention of Spain when the port of Cartagena was established in 1501-02. With the blessing of Queen Isabella of Spain, the Sinu region was declared Cannibal territory, giving the Spanish soldiers carte blanche to raid the Sinu gold mines and burial mounds. One report stated that from January 15, 1533 to December 11, 1534, the Province of Cartagena yielded 545 lbs. of fine gold and more than 176 lbs. of low grade gold. This pendant is in the form of a parrot head.On View
Not on viewCollections