The Shaman's Enigma: a Celestial Pendant in Pre-Columbian Gold from the Depths of Antiquity

In the realm of ancient treasures, the discovery and presentation of this pre-Columbian artifact, dated to around 400 AD, are imbued with deep excitement. Thanks to meticulous research in libraries, museum collections, and auctions, the history of this gold bird pendant with humanoid features is revealed. It carries the soul of an era when gold was celestial and shamans connected worlds, while the carnelian beads perhaps whispered tales of Middle Eastern origin. Its survival in such perfect condition is nothing short of miraculous, a silent testament to the sacred art of a time when jewelry was a powerful talisman.

Description
A sheet of finely hammered gold in the shape of a bird with outstretched wings and tail forms the striking pendant of this beaded necklace.
The bird's head features both human and ornithological characteristics: the horizontal rings pierced with small holes evoke a mouth, a tongue, or a nose ring, while the nose could just as well be a beak. Although the overall appearance of the pendant expresses a rudimentary finish, the bird's head and body are relatively three-dimensional and almost entirely flanked by slightly incised lines for the feathers. The area separating the head from the body is formed by two lateral parts folded toward the back of the pendant. The necklace discreetly passes through these lateral parts at the back, thus replacing the function of a suspension hook.
The necklace itself is composed of larger reddish-orange beads with white veins of various shapes—most likely carnelian—small grayish-black beads of the same shape, and rolled gold plates into scroll-shaped beads, with a hook and eye closure at the end.

Dating and symbolism
Resemblance with Pre-Columbian art (400 AD - 1000 AD)

This pendant fits like a glove into the Pre-Columbian era, from the material to the iconic shape and even its finish.
-Considering the material: gold is regarded as a sacred material in Pre-Columbian cultures. According to Pre-Columbian mythology, gold descends directly from the sun in the form of solidified sweat, fertilizing the earth.
- Considering the figure of the bird with outstretched wings and human features: in Pre-Columbian cultures, shamans play an important role in society and serve as mediators between nature, the cosmos, and humans. It was believed they could accomplish this task by transforming themselves, with the bird considered one of the most appropriate mediums. Shamans are known to wear breastplates of their totem animal to aid them in their task. These totems often combine animal traits with human traits, thus creating a perfect symbiosis between the two creatures. Moreover, many Pre-Columbian cultures view birds as messengers between the gods and humans, or as carriers of seeds essential to their survival. That is why they are almost always depicted with wings spread, as if in flight.
- Considering the little attention paid to the finishes: Pre-Columbian jewelry gives the impression of a lack of care given to details and finish. However, this is an important characteristic, as their primary purpose was to serve as aids and to transmit supernatural powers. As utilitarian instruments, their finish was of less importance. However, the suspension hook of these pendants is almost always integrated into the design, or even completely invisible, in order to best preserve the resemblance to the totem.

Besides all these similarities with other examples from the Met collection and pieces auctioned at Sotheby's, this object has unique features. In comparison, this gold plate is rather three-dimensional and more ornate, reminiscent of the abstract and incised lines of feathers.
Regarding the necklace, we have already encountered this type of pendant and necklace dating from the same period, but never presented together. This could mean that this combination is very rare or that the pendant and necklace are not compatible according to the wearing principles of these pieces in the Pre-Columbian era. Furthermore, it should be remembered that necklaces adorned with carnelian beads (or another opaque precious stone) and gold plates rolled into beads were also common in much earlier times in the Middle East.
Another noteworthy fact is that our most recent source for a sale of such an ancient pendant (without a necklace) dates back to a Sotheby's auction in 2004.
Of course, we are very open to any information from experts in this field.

Object group of antique jewelry
Pendant with necklace.

Period
around 400 AD

Condition
Very good condition, especially considering its age. As experts, we consider it a miracle that this piece still exists in its original state.
-More info on our condition scale

Country of origin
South America

Style
Pre-Columbian

Material
Not tested, but a high gold alloy (18K+).

Gemstones
-14 cylindrical beads -very likely- of carnelian, with a height ranging from 13.09 mm (0.515 inch) to 22.37 mm (0.881 inch), and a diameter between 5.18 mm (0.204 inch) and 8.98 mm (0.354 inch).
-34 round carnelian beads -very likely- with a height ranging from 4.57 mm (0.180 inch) to 6.65 mm (0.262 inch), and a diameter between 6.54 mm (0.257 inch) and 11.02 mm (0.434 inch).
-38 (+14 at the back of the pendant) black to grayish beads -resembling lava stone- varying in height around 2.00mm (0.079 inch) and in diameter around 4.00mm (0.157 inch).

Please note:
-The weights of the colored stones are not provided, as we do not wish to remove the beads from their necklace in order to preserve the integrity of the artifact.
It is common to treat gemstones to enhance their clarity or color. However, given the type of stone and the age of the piece, we do not anticipate such treatment for these beads. Consequently, the beads in question have not been tested.
-Furthermore, the value of this artifact lies in its authenticity and its age, and not in the value of the materials used.

Birthstones
Carnelian is the birthstone (or stone of the month) for the month of July.
More information about birthstones.

Function
According to our sources, this pendant may have belonged to a shaman from a pre-Columbian society and served as a totem of his ability to transform into a bird.

Provenance
This extraordinary piece has come to us thanks to the heirs of Lutgart Simoens. This lady was one of the most popular radio presenters in Belgium and the Netherlands. The writer Paul Van Deuren published a portrait book of her, illustrated with a photo of Simoens wearing this particular necklace:
Van Deuren, P., (1983), "Lutgart Simoens: Een leven vol radio - A life full of radio". Published by Pencoprint in Wilsele (BE). (ISBN: 9070 44 773 8)

Dimensions
Length of the bead necklace: approximately 62.00 cm (24.41 inches).
Size of the pendant (length x width x thickness): approximately 9.40 cm (3.70 inches) x 6.20 cm (2.44 inches) x 0.29 mm (0.011 inch).
-See the image with a ruler in millimeters and inches.

Weight 78.20 grams (50.28 dwt)

Adin