Pendant in the Form of an Abstract Bird with Outstretched Wings and Tail Possibly 1000 - 1550

Editor: Here we have a Veraguas pendant dating possibly from 1000 to 1550, currently housed at the Art Institute of Chicago. Crafted from gold, it's an abstract bird with outstretched wings. I find it remarkably modern for something so ancient. What's your take on this, especially with its curious combination of abstraction and figuration? Curator: It sings to me of duality, of the seen and the unseen worlds coexisting. That openwork section on its chest? A portal, perhaps? I imagine its creator, melting the gold, almost dancing it into existence. This wasn't just adornment; it was a conversation with the cosmos. What sort of weight do you imagine it carried for its wearer, beyond the gold? Editor: That idea of a portal is fascinating! I hadn’t thought about the *purpose* so much as the *design*. Maybe it was a status symbol as well, like, "Hey, look at me and my super cool bird that connects me to the other side.” Curator: Status, undoubtedly! But also protection, connection, power. Gold, to these people, wasn't mere wealth. It was the sun made solid, energy manifested. Did you notice the slightly menacing look in the bird’s face? Editor: I did! There’s something assertive about its posture, even though it's stylized. Now I’m imagining the owner wearing it into battle… or maybe a negotiation. It feels so active, not just decorative. Curator: Exactly! Art isn't a passive observer; it's a participant. And it’s asking us to participate too, even centuries later. Editor: This makes me think differently about the craftsmanship of this culture; this isn't merely a pretty object, but a functional art piece. Curator: Yes! And understanding this piece gives us just a glimpse of the beliefs held during this time.