Pre-Columbian, Colombia, Tairona culture, ca. 10th to 16th century CE. A massive bat wing pectoral, so called because of its resemblance to the flying mammal, carved from an olive hued greenstone that is of a massive size. The "wings" widen slightly towards their terminals with protruding tabs on the underside of each tip. The "head" is formed by a low rectangle at the upper center that is drilled through the center for suspension. Items of this general shape have been found from southern Mexico to Venezuela as well as on some islands in the Caribbean, often found in caches of other stone artifacts buried under floors of houses and temples, although their actual meaning is unclear. The Kogi and Ica people, who are direct descendants of the Tairona, wear similar items as rattles, attached to the elbows of dancers. They may have been used similarly in the pre-Columbian era. Size: 10.25" L x 2" W (26 cm x 5.1 cm)
Provenance: private J. Hart collection, Houston, Texas, USA, acquired mid 1970s
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance),
we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#167485
Condition
Repaired with wing tip reattached with hairline break line encircling the wing. Chip to wing and age expected surface wear. Modern paint flecks scattered on surface.