47069

Costa Rica or Panama Bird;Ritually Killed

Currency:USD Category:Art Start Price:150.00 USD Estimated At:600.00 - 800.00 USD
Costa Rica or Panama Bird;Ritually Killed
<B>Bird Figure, Ritually Killed</B></I><BR>Costa Rica or Panama<BR>A.D. 700 - 1500<BR>Gold (low grade), Weight 46.4 grams<BR>Height 3 ¾ in. Width 1 in.<BR><BR>Ancient items were often "killed" or mangled to contain or control their power when ritual use was completed. This bird figure appears to have suffered this fate with a severe mid-section break from folding as well as other damage. This left it in poor condition, with surface corrosion and a modern patch of solder at mid-point as a repair attempt. Double spiral forms perch on the beak and flank the tail point. A braided cord delineates the neck.<BR><BR>Provenance<BR>Charles Craig, Santa Barbara<BR><BR>