Tolima jewelry comprises highly stylized figures in zoomorphic and anthropomorphic forms. They are extremely geometric, beautifully symmetrical and expertly balanced. The types fall into two basic configurations: one in which the pendant has a 'winged' body, the other in which the body features splayed arms and legs.
This particular pendant falls into the former group, showing a figure that is like a bird preparing to take flight. The wings or arms are composed of ridges at the bottom simulating feathers, and slashes in the center very cleverly giving the impression of beautiful plumes. The main body is ornamented with fork-like extensions and two pairs of simple horizontal bands at top and bottom. From this complexity, the body continues into the pure simplicity of a horizontal bar delicately curved at each end. This elegant shape is wonderfully contrasted with the highly elaborate headdress, so vivid and resplendent as if it were made of dozens of multi-colored feathers. The figure's face, though essentially abstract, is very expressive and human in feeling. It may in fact be a mask worn by a priest during a ritual ceremony involving a bird costume; depicted here with flair and imagination by a superb artist in the brilliant medium of gold.