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Object Timeline

1946

  • We acquired this object.

2015

2024

  • You found it!

Hummingbird heads Earrings

This is a earrings. It is dated late 19th century and we acquired it in 1946. Its medium is hummingbird heads, gold; imitation leather, velvet, satin. It is a part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts department.

Incorporating hummingbirds into jewelry – whether their heads or feathers – became popular in the middle of the nineteenth century, when Europe and the United States began exploring Central and South America. The birds used in these earrings may have been from Brazil, but were likely set into their gold mounts and given gold beaks upon being brought back to Europe or the United States. The hanging pendants are set with feathers, tying them in to the design.

This object was donated by R. Keith Kane. It is credited Gift of the estate and in memory of Robert B. Noyes.

  • Hair Ornament (China)
  • kingfisher feathers, lacquer, silk-covered wire.
  • Gift of William Dangaix Allen.
  • 1939-73-11

Its dimensions are

H x W x D (a, b): 4.5 x 2 x 3 cm (1 3/4 x 13/16 x 1 3/16 in.)

Cite this object as

Hummingbird heads Earrings; possibly USA; hummingbird heads, gold; imitation leather, velvet, satin; H x W x D (a, b): 4.5 x 2 x 3 cm (1 3/4 x 13/16 x 1 3/16 in.); Gift of the estate and in memory of Robert B. Noyes; 1946-50-87-a/c

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If you would like to cite this object in a Wikipedia article please use the following template:

<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/18603653/ |title=Hummingbird heads Earrings |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=25 April 2024 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>