Veraguas Bird Pendant

Mathias Komor, New York (inv. no. L 753)
Howard and Saretta Barnet, New York, acquired from the above on November 14, 1963

Excellent condition overall. Excellent, fine casting and overall colour. No breaks or repairs.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The cast gold zoomorphic pendants from the Isthmus region of Costa Rica and Panama include a large variety of rainforest birds. The ornaments depict key characteristics of their avian subject, conferring power, authority, and identity to the chiefs and important individuals who wore them. The raptorial bird here proudly displays its hunting prowess; it grasps a mythical double-headed saurian in its talons and pulls the braided body up by its long openwork beak; the tail is outspread and the wings arch to the side. The bird's head is flanked by saurian monsters with up-curled snouts and spiral trimmed bodies; the suspension loop is cast at the back of the neck.