Veragas Stylized Gold Double Headed Bird Applique

Panama, Circa 500 to 1500 AD   A thick sheet gold schematic bird with double heads, spread wings and fan tail; co-joined heads; pierced for attachment. XRF elemental analysis report reveals a pre-Columbian gold figurine with characteristics typical of ancient American metallurgy. The composition shows it is made of 18K gold (76.9% Au), with significant copper content (19.9% Cu) and a small amount of silver (3.2% Ag), which is consistent with gold alloys commonly used in pre-Columbian metalworking. The object was analyzed using an ElvaX spectrometer, showing a sophisticated understanding of metallurgy by ancient American craftsmen. The flat, cut-out design suggests the piece was likely created using sheet metal working techniques common in pre-Columbian cultures. Size  2-1/2 inches H. x 2-3/4 in L.  18k; weight  4.6g. Provenance: From the estate of Christian Illies (1947-2014), Opelika, Alabama who inherited the collection from his grandfather, Ferdinand Grebien (1877-1976).  Christian