1976.W.447 Pendant: mythological creature (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, as seen in this example. Made to be suspended around the neck, the image on this gold pendant is flattened and bilaterally symmetrical for maximum decorative effect. Although not visible from the front, the suspension loop is located on the reverse at the base of the figure's head—craftsmen thus cleverly adapted the natural forms of totemic creatures to the functional demands of this jewelry. This pendant likely represents a winged mythological creature, possibly part bird, part insect. 

Though their exact meaning is unknown, pendants were likely worn on ceremonial occasions, and similar pendants were still being worn at the beginning of the 16th century conquest. For many peoples of the ancient Americas, various animals were likely considered mythic figures. Animal pendants may have thus offered protection to the wearer, and when represented in gold, such as this example, they are even more powerful. When worn together, as many of these personal gold ornaments undoubtedly were, they would have created a dazzling golden image. 

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

worn costume accessories: AAT: 300209274

jewelry: AAT: 300209286

pendants (jewelry): AAT: 300046002

costume: AAT: 300209261

ceremonial costume: AAT: 300210387

funerary objects: AAT: 300234126

ornaments: AAT: 300266794

decorating (process): AAT: 300056257

geometric motifs: AAT: 300009764

geometric shape: AAT: 300263819

geometric patterns: AAT: 300165213

dots (geometric motif): AAT: 300010145

circles (plane figures): AAT: 300055627

lines (geometric concept): AAT: 300056279

bands (decorative): DMA

raised (form attribute): AAT: 300010354

relief (sculpture techniques): AAT: 300053622

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

figures (representations): AAT: 300189808

animals (Animalia kingdom): AAT: 300249395

creatures: AAT: 300379697

insects (animals): AAT: 300310470

birds (animals): AAT: 300266506

birds (motifs): AAT: 300375751

wings (animal components): AAT: 300375053

teeth (animal components): AAT: 300400467

fangs (teeth): DMA

tails (animal components): AAT: 300251800

myth: AAT: 300201023

mythical or legendary beings: AAT: 300375725

deities: AAT: 300343850

supernatural (concepts): AAT: 300055947

protection: AAT: 300164923

miniature (size): AAT: 300121995

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.447