Diquis Gold Pendant of a Shaman Wearing a Saurian Mask - FJ.6316, Origin: Costa Rica/Panama, Circa: 500 AD to 1550 AD, Dimensions: 3.25" (8.3cm) high, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Diquis, Medium: Gold. Anthropomorphic figures form the core of iconographic representation in Costa Rican gold jewelry. The depiction of man as a jaguar or crocodile is most common. In the case of this beautiful pendant the figure is wearing a crocodile mask. Other ritualistic attributes are the crown (which may signify the person is a shaman-chief), and the braided belt over his waist attached to the under part of the arms. The fact he is naked is also a regular feature with his genitals exposed. Some scholars believe the woven belt symbolizes the snake, with its sexual connotations, used in fertility rites. The figure bas the trapezoidal feet, solid stance, and spiral ears characteristic of Diquis style. It can be postulated this pendant represents an actual shaman involved in a ritual dance, captured forever in gold radiant as the powers of ancient magic.

Antiquities
Ancient Jewelry