1976.W.437 Finial: bird (Colombia, Zenú (Sinú))

The pre-Hispanic goldwork of Colombia is traditionally classified by archaeological zones, or regions, each with stylistic associations, varying in iconography and technology: Zenú (Sinú) and Tairona in northwestern Colombia; Muisca in the central highlands southeast of Bogotá; and in the southwest, Quimbaya, Calima, Tolima, and Nariño. The richly varied works were primarily objects of personal adornment. Pendants, headdress elements, pectorals, bracelets, anklets, and nose and ear ornaments probably functioned as ceremonial regalia for elite men. Sixteenth-century records and recent research indicate that Sinú gold objects derived from the Gran Zenú region, thus attributed to the Zenú people who occupied the region during the 16th century conquest and whose descendants occupy the east of the lower Sinú River today. 

Zenú (Sinú) ornaments often feature delicate spirals, intricate line-work, and braided elements in cast filigree. Of the various types of gold objects associated with the Zenú culture, the best known are semi-circular openwork nose and ear ornaments and finials, often called staff heads after their presumed function. Birds are the dominant theme for the finials, and this appealing example embodies several characteristic features. It is decorated with an elaborate headdress of delicate spirals and braided gold filigree. The long beak of the bird ends in a downward curve; the solid crest and beautiful openwork on the body suggest showy plumage. This finial features lost-wax casting, the use of a gold-copper alloy ("tumbaga"), and refined false-filigree decoration made by skillfully manipulating thin threads of wax. The image is flattened and bilaterally symmetrical for maximum decorative effect—craftsmen thus also cleverly adapted the natural forms of totemic creatures to the functional demands of the jewelry. Though it in unclear what type of bird is represented, the sharply hooked beak may indicate it is a bird of prey, likely an owl. 

Bird ornaments are a common theme among the cultures of Intermediate Central America, depicting a variety of sizes and styles and representing a number of different bird species, though their exact meaning is unknown. Pendants and other objects of personal adornment were likely worn on ceremonial occasions, and similar pendants were still being worn at the beginning of the 16th century conquest. Bird imagery remained important to indigenous peoples of the region into the 20th century. For many peoples of the ancient Americas, birds were likely mythic figures, often considered intercessors between sky and land. Bird ornaments may have offered protection to the wearer, and when represented in gold, such as this example, they are doubly powerful.

Native Coastal Ecuadorian and Colombian styles: AAT: 300017980

Pre-Columbian Colombian styles: AAT: 300017422

Pre-Columbian (American): AAT: 300016619

Zenú (Sinú): AAT: 300017434

Colombia (nation): TGN: 1000050

Sinú (river): TGN: 1130040

gold: AAT: 300011021

goldwork: AAT: 300044045

annealing: AAT: 300053886

casting (process): AAT: 300053104

chasing (metalworking): AAT: 300054016

embossing (technique): AAT: 300053826

repoussé: AAT: 300054023

solder: AAT: 300010993

sheet metal: AAT: 300223016

metalwork: AAT: 300015336

hammering (metal finishing): AAT: 300054098

filigree: AAT: 300220293

openwork: AAT: 300253899

wire: AAT: 300011063

wirework: AAT: 300044077

Lost-wax process: AAT: 300053113

gold alloy: AAT: 300010963

tumbaga: AAT: 300248834

wax (material): AAT: 300014585

sculpture: AAT: 300047090

ceremonial objects: AAT: 300234117

costume: AAT: 300209261

ceremonial costume: AAT: 300210387

funerary objects: AAT: 300234126

ornaments: AAT: 300266794

finials: AAT: 300002280

staffs (staff weapon components): AAT: 300204653

scepters: AAT: 300214161

decorating (process): AAT: 300056257

geometric motifs: AAT: 300009764

geometric shape: AAT: 300263819

geometric patterns: AAT: 300165213

spirals (geometric figures): AAT: 300163114

scrolls (spirals/motifs): AAT: 300010094

braids (motifs): AAT: 300400658

braid (trimming): AAT: 300232186

circles (plane figures): AAT: 300055627

circular (shape): AAT: 300263827

lines (geometric concept): AAT: 300056279

bands (decorative): DMA

raised (form attribute): AAT: 300010354

relief (sculpture techniques): AAT: 300053622

figures (representations): AAT: 300189808

animals (Animalia kingdom): AAT: 300249395

sitting (seated): AAT: 300263970

birds (animals): AAT: 300266506

birds (motifs): AAT: 300375751

wings (animal components): AAT: 300375053

beaks (animal components): AAT: 300400475

headdresses: AAT: 300046023

mythical or legendary beings: AAT: 300375725

Falconiformes (order / diurnal birds of prey): AAT: 300310286

raptors (birds): AAT: 300250055

deities: AAT: 300343850

supernatural (concepts): AAT: 300055947

protection: AAT: 300164923

hollow (form attribute): AAT: 300163023

nobility (nobles / aristocracy): AAT: 300025942

power: AAT: 300374809

prestige: AAT: 300343604

social status: AAT: 300065206

symmetry: AAT: 300056249

light (energy): AAT: 300056024

shiny (shine): AAT: 300065244

curves (geometric figures): AAT: 300378887

crests (motifs): AAT: 300233389

feathers (animal components): AAT: 300400474

loops (components): AAT: 300265322

owls (birds/animals/strigiformes order): AAT: 300310290

Until 1976: Nora and John Wise, New York [1]

From 1976: Dallas Museum of Fine Arts, The Nora and John Wise Collection, gift of Mr. and Mrs. Jake L. Hamon, the Eugene McDermott Family, Mr. and Mrs. Algur H. Meadows and the Meadows Foundation, Incorporated, and Mr. and Mrs. John D. Murchison [1], [2]

[1] The main source for this provenance is letter from A.L. Woodman, Chief of Valuation Analysis Section of the Internal Revenue Service, to Harry S. Parker, Director of the Dallas Museum of Fine Arts (dated July 23, 1979, copy in Dallas Museum of Art Collections Records Object File, Confidential). Exceptions and other supporting documents are noted.

[2] The name of the Dallas Museum of Fine Arts, founded in 1933, was changed to the Dallas Museum of Art in 1983.

Apply to objects where number equals 1976.W.437