A fine Andean Bird Pendant, ca. 500 - 1500 CE Seals - Intaglio there is a small amount

there is a small amount of tearing to the sheet gold but overall it is in very good condition for an object of this type and age

and the thin inner bark is weighted with stones and scorched with fire to flatten it out

wall paintings such as this example often featured a monochromatic background in rich reds

The burnisher was used to polish and smooth the surface of the jewelry after it had been shaped and detailed

this object can be displayed using either an easel or on a wall

A fine Andean Bird Pendant, ca. 500 - 1500 CE Seals - Intaglio there is a small amountCarved into the shape of a condor, facing skyward with stylized wings and tail. The Andean condor is a sacred bird and a significant part of Andean mythology and traditions, associated with the sun deity, power, health, and the upper world. The Incas believed the condor was a messenger to the gods and that it brought the sun into the sky each morning. They also considered the condor an immortal representation of the Jananpacha, which is the sky, upper