20k Gold Beads, Carnelian, and Ancient Red Jasper Tairona Chief Pendant

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20k Gold Beads, Carnelian, and Ancient Red Jasper Tairona Chief Pendant

About the Item

Sixteen large round, collared gold beads, ten smaller round gold beads, eighteen round carnelian beads and a large jasper figure of a man with hand clasped in front of his chest. The jasper figure of a man, presumably a chief, is 4.5 cm in height, 2.9 cm at the widest point of the head and shoulders, and 2.18 cm thick (from the jutting bottom lip to the back of the figure). The figure was made without the use of metal tools, entirely by the use of abrasives, with bow drills and string saws. It is drilled through sideways at the back of the neck for suspension (the hole is 3 mm in diameter). The back is slightly rounded, but essentially flat. It comes from Colombia, South America and is said to be from the Tairona people. The chief is wonderfully expressive; with a jutting chin and half closed eyes he projects a fierce pride. The four large carnelian beads are flattened spheres 11 mm - 12 mm in diameter, 7.5 mm – 9 mm in length. The smaller carnelian beads are 5 mm - 6.5 mm in diameter and 3.5 mm - 4.5 mm in length. The drill holes are 3 mm in diameter. The large gold beads are 15 mm in diameter and 16 mm in length. The small gold spheres are 7 mm in diameter. The clasp is a hook and eye with the hook made from a tapered strip with the end rolled and the edges reinforced with flattened wire borders. The beading tips are domed circles that approximate one third of the volume of the large spherical beads, presenting the same round profile, and visually providing a transition to the clasp. With flat backs, they lay comfortably on the neck. The necklace is massive and splendid. The lavish use of large gold beads combined with the magnificent pendant conveys a sense of the richness of the pre-Columbian cultures of South America. The necklace is 18 ¼ inches (46.5 cm) in length. The necklace weighs 103.75 grams.

Creator:
David Ebbinghouse
Metal:
Gold
Stone:
Carnelian,Jasper
Stone Cut:
Bead
Weight:
103.75 g
Dimensions:
Length: 18.31 in (465 mm)
Style:
Artist
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
15th Century and Earlier
Date of Manufacture:
Unknown
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. All of the stones in this piece are ancient. The goldwork is modern and done by our expert goldsmith, Michael Winsten, to enhance the beauty of the ancient beads.
Seller Location:
Bloomington, IN
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU2425213926512