A spectacular gold pendant created by the Quimbaya civilisation will sell as top lot in Heritage Auctions' May 10 sale of American Indian, Pre-Columbian and Tribal Art in Dallas.
 The Quimbaya people's exquisite gold work gave rise to the 'ancient astronauts' theory |
The five-inch tall pendant will sell for an anticipated $25,000-35,000.
The pendant depicts a two-headed human-animal hybrid, whose long tail forms an arch over his head, on which six monkeys are perched. It originates from approximately AD1200-1400.
The civilisation, based in modern day Colombia, is renowned for its spectacular gold work, which is prized for its intricate detail. The area is particularly famed for what has become known as the Quimbaya artefacts - a series of gold objects that are supposed by some theorists to represent modern aircraft, hinting at advances far surpassing the technological achievements at the time.
Mainstream archaeology suggests that these objects are in fact highly stylised representations of birds and insects found in the region.
Another gold pendant, this time from Veraguas, Panama, shares the $25,000-35,000 estimate.
The Veraguas pendant stands at four inches in height, depicting an eagle with its wings spread, clutching a small creature in its beak. Weighing 109 grams, it dates to AD900-1,200.
Also featuring are several kachina figures from the Native American Hopi tribe. Similar items have recently been the source of huge controversy at an auction in France. Estimated at $2,000-3,000, it remains to be seen what the tribe members will make of the Heritage Auctions sale.
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