A Near Eastern Steatite Bird Pendant, Late Bronze Age to Early Iron Age, ca. 1500 – 800 BCE Ceramics likely intended as symbolic embellishments

likely intended as symbolic embellishments

Bark paintings are created using natural pigments on carefully prepared sheets of eucalyptus bark

Fremantle Arts Centre

although molds were probably used as forms for the details (Moorey 1971a

reflecting the Tairona belief in cyclical renewal within nature

A Near Eastern Steatite Bird Pendant, Late Bronze Age to Early Iron Age, ca. 1500 – 800 BCE Ceramics likely intended as symbolic embellishmentsThis early amulet is finely carved from black steatite in the form of a bird in flight, its wings extending outward on either side and the tail flared behind. The underside is detailed with inlaid grooves, while a suspension hole drilled through the center of the body allowed the piece to be worn in antiquity. The pendant has been modern strung on a 14K gold chain, adjustable up to 18 inches, transforming it into a striking necklace that blends