AUTHENTIC TAIRONA Batwing Pendant/Pectoral With Museum Stand, Precolumbian

A museum quality Batwing Pectoral from the Tairona civilization of ancient Colombia. The name is derived from the highly abstract form that resembles the nocturnal mammal. At the center are two upward curves, which may suggest a bat head, with each end of this area drilled laterally. These suspension tabs are then flanked by the lengthy "wings." This very fine example measures 11 1/8 inches long, and is made of a light green coloured slate. It's in excellent, intact condition, with no damage or repair. Ex private New York City collection. Acquired in December 1996 from Joseph G. Gerena Fine Art. Includes a custom display stand, (a $125 value) which greatly elevates the presence of this piece, displaying as both beautiful abstract art, as well as ancient adornment.

Batwing pendants seem to have served a symbolic purpose, often found in caches with other stone artifacts buried under floors of houses and temples. The ancients of the Americas traditionally associated bats in the night sky with rain and fertility. Similarly, the seemingly favored green colored materials  also symbolized this fertility in many ancient cultures. Among the present-day Kogi and Ica peoples, direct descendants of the Tairona, similar objects are used by both religious leaders and men of high status.

A wonderful, elegant ancient piece that displays great and is priced to sell!!