Gold Pendant of a Shaman Holding a Double-Headed Snake - FJ.6158, Origin: Costa Rican/Panamanian Border Area, Circa: 500 AD to 1550 AD, Dimensions: 3.5" (8.9cm) high, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Pre-Columbian, Medium: Gold. The male figure sits with his knees bent, feet extended over the curved lower bar. With both hands he clutches the heads of a stylized snake, the rope-like body of which is draped over his lap and groin area above his exposed genitals. Sprouting from the sides of his head are two identical alligator appendages composed of curly-cue noses and a row of teeth. This motif is inverted at the bottom attached to the sides of the legs. The man's face reveals coffee-bean eyes, a large nose and slightly parted mouth. An interesting feature is relatively large deep naval and the two appliqued nipples positioned high on the chest. This figure probably represents a shaman dressed in ritual costume, the pendant itself most likely worn by someone of high rank.

Antiquities
Ancient Jewelry