Chiriqui Gold Pendant of a Scorpion - FJ.2983, Origin: Costa Rica, Circa: 1000 AD to 1500 AD, Dimensions: 1.625" (4.1cm) depth, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Chiriqui,  More »

Chiriqui Gold Pendant of a Scorpion - FJ.2983, Origin: Costa Rica, Circa: 1000 AD to 1500 AD, Dimensions: 1.625" (4.1cm) depth, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Chiriqui, Medium: Gold. As if he had fallen from his place among the golden stars, this scorpion seems to possess a powerful magic. He does not appear part of the mundane world, but rather a creature of supernatural ability. Centuries ago, this radiant scorpion may have protected those who wore him from the bite of the real insect. Though his golden tail is poised to strike, we know he will never harm us if our hearts are pure. Those whose intentions are good may handle him without fear; all others had best beware.   « Less

Chiriqui Gold Pendant of a Composite Animal - FJ.2985, Origin: Costa Rica, Circa: 1000 AD to 1500 AD, Dimensions: 2.125" (5.4cm) depth, Catalogue: V10, Collection:  More »

Chiriqui Gold Pendant of a Composite Animal - FJ.2985, Origin: Costa Rica, Circa: 1000 AD to 1500 AD, Dimensions: 2.125" (5.4cm) depth, Catalogue: V10, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Chiriqui, Medium: Gold. The ancient artist seems here to have let his imagination run free to create an animal not known in nature, It appears part crocodile, part butterfly, part bird--a fantastic citizen of the golden forest. Whatever species it belongs to, it is undeniably beautiful, with an abstract charm. We are caught up by the timeless magic of this golden amulet. If such an animal does not exit, then perhaps it ought to.   « Less

Necklace with Sinu Gold, Tumbaga, and Clay Beads - FJ.3023, Origin: Colombia, Circa: 500 AD to 1000 AD, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Sinu, Medium: Gold, Tumbaga, Clay.  More »

Necklace with Sinu Gold, Tumbaga, and Clay Beads - FJ.3023, Origin: Colombia, Circa: 500 AD to 1000 AD, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Sinu, Medium: Gold, Tumbaga, Clay. When Europeans first visited the New World, they brought back tales of El Dorado, a jungle city built of shining gold, whose citizens went about arrayed in precious metals and gems. A necklace such as this, recreating the ancient Sinu style, may have been the inspiration for those legends. The person lucky enough to wear it today is destined to become legendary as well.   « Less

Necklace with Sinu Gold, Carnelian, and Greenstone Beads - FJ.3024, Origin: Colombia, Circa: 500 AD to 1000 AD, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Sinu, Medium: Gold and  More »

Necklace with Sinu Gold, Carnelian, and Greenstone Beads - FJ.3024, Origin: Colombia, Circa: 500 AD to 1000 AD, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Sinu, Medium: Gold and Carnelian. Seductive as a jungle twilight, richly colored and dramatically shaped, this necklace evokes a vanished world. Faithfully recreating the jewelry of ancient South America from original beads, it glows with a primitive magic. To put it on is to feel the power, the mystery of an untamed world. Adornment for those who appreciate adventure.   « Less

Veraguas Gold Pendant of an Eagle - FJ.4449, Origin: Panama, Circa: 900 AD to 1200 AD, Dimensions: 3.5" (8.9cm) high, Catalogue: V7, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style:  More »

Veraguas Gold Pendant of an Eagle - FJ.4449, Origin: Panama, Circa: 900 AD to 1200 AD, Dimensions: 3.5" (8.9cm) high, Catalogue: V7, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Veraguas, Medium: Gold. When Columbus and his men first landed in the New World, they found that persons of rank adorned themselves with golden pendants in the form of birds of prey. Though these birds are usually called 'eagles', various avian types are represented. The prominent beaks and claws of these jewels set a tone of predatory fierceness. Such pendants must have been worn by the noble warrior class as badges of bravery. Their energetic power is impressive even today. Glittering and rich, they personify the vanished glories of El Dorado.   « Less

Chiriqui Gold Avian Pendant - FJ.4922, Origin: Costa Rica, Circa: 11 th Century AD to 16 th Century AD, Dimensions: 3" (7.6cm) high, Catalogue: V6, Collection: Pre-Columbian,  More »

Chiriqui Gold Avian Pendant - FJ.4922, Origin: Costa Rica, Circa: 11 th Century AD to 16 th Century AD, Dimensions: 3" (7.6cm) high, Catalogue: V6, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Chiriqui, Medium: Gold. The quality of gold that abounds here is very great, and of good karat, as can be seen from the plates of gold the Indians beat out--the rivers abound with gold--such a great quantity of gold as to swell two large chests. These are the words of the 16th century Spanish explorer Diego de Sojo, written after he experienced the extensive and exquisite gold artistry of ancient Costa Rica. Today this artistic heritage can still be enjoyed through such masterpieces as this gold avian pendant. A striking example of the bird-style pendant, this creature is the epitome of power and energy with emphasis place on soaring wings, exaggerated tail and head tufts. The model for these mythical beasts seems to have been carrion birds like the king vulture. Although most avian pendants have non-realisitc features or are in some way anthropomorphized like this fine example, the pose can be observed even today, when, after a rain, certain soaring birds spread their wings to dry while perched in a tree. The specific symbolism of this ancient creature may be lost in time but the projected power through the medium of gold and the crafted imagery of the pendant remain throughout time.   « Less

Chiriqui Gold Avian Pendant - FJ.4923, Origin: Costa Rica, Circa: 11 th Century AD to 16 th Century AD, Dimensions: 2.925" (7.4cm) high, Catalogue: V6, Collection:  More »

Chiriqui Gold Avian Pendant - FJ.4923, Origin: Costa Rica, Circa: 11 th Century AD to 16 th Century AD, Dimensions: 2.925" (7.4cm) high, Catalogue: V6, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Chiriqui, Medium: Gold. This magnificent avian pendant is a splendid example of the gold artistry that was chronicled by the 16th century Spanish explorers after they landed on the Panamanian isthmus. Ancient documents speak of witnessing umparalleled craftsmanship and creativity. Surely this powerful avian creature was one of those spendid works of art that capture dthe explorers' heart and soul. The boldly exaggerated wings and tail give the pendant a forceful dynamism. The anthropomorphized body adds an element of mysticism and intrigue that evokes the compelling presence of ancient shamans. The symbolic imagery of this gold pendant may have become elusive through time but there is no mistaking the magical and spiritual energy that still emanates from this masterpiece.   « Less

Chiriqui Gold Pendant of Two Deities - FJ.5086, Origin: Panama, Circa: 11 th Century AD to 16 th Century AD, Dimensions: 2.75" (7.0cm) high, Catalogue: V8, Collection:  More »

Chiriqui Gold Pendant of Two Deities - FJ.5086, Origin: Panama, Circa: 11 th Century AD to 16 th Century AD, Dimensions: 2.75" (7.0cm) high, Catalogue: V8, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Chiriqui, Medium: Gold. In Panama, metallurgy was introduced from the south during the first five hundred years of the Christian era. It was quickly adapted to the myths, legends and symbols of the local population, resulting in magnificent works of art, brilliant in their technology and artistic expression. These objects rapidly became the primary symbols of authority in Isthmian society. Gold not only bedecked the bodies of important people in life but also accompanied them in death. This striking pendant in the form of a twinned bat/reptile figure most surely adorned the body of a very important warrior. Fierce animal characteristics such as those depicted on these twin figures were often used to draw attention to the aggressive or warlike attributes of the wearer and also functioned as the signature of individual warriors. The choice of bat and reptile characteristics, seen here in the mask's erect bat-like ears and the crocodile-like long snout and pointed teeth is typical in Panamanian art. Reptiles were revered as extremely fierce animals while bats exemplified contrasts, symbolizing the upper world by their ability to fly and the nether world by their nocturnal life. Another symbol of the all important warrior class appears on the pendant in the form of two paddles, one held by each figure; these are wooden macanas, or clubs, used by the warriors in battle. Yet another authoritative symbol is the twisted cord belt that runs along the waist of each figure, representing high-status "Golden Clothing." An animal headed spear held by each warrior figure adds another attribute of power to the figures as well as adding to the overall compositional balance of the pendant. All in all, this sensational work of Panamanian artistry speaks of a society extremely skilled in metallurgy and highly sensitive to the world of nature, its primal force and beauty.   « Less

Chiriqui Gold Pendant of a Monkey - FJ.5120, Origin: Costa Rica, Circa: 11 th Century AD to 16 th Century AD, Dimensions: 2.875" (7.3cm) high, Catalogue: V8, Collection:  More »

Chiriqui Gold Pendant of a Monkey - FJ.5120, Origin: Costa Rica, Circa: 11 th Century AD to 16 th Century AD, Dimensions: 2.875" (7.3cm) high, Catalogue: V8, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Chiriqui, Medium: Gold. "The quality of gold that abounds here is very great, and of good karat, as can be seen from the plates of gold the Indians beat out...the rivers abound with gold...such a great quantity of gold as to swell two large chests." These are the words of the 16th century Spanish explorer Diego Do Sojo, written after he experienced the extensive and exquisite gold artistry of ancient Costa Rica. Today, this artistic heritage can still be enjoyed through such masterpieces as this gold pendant in the form of a monkey. For certain ancient tribes in Southern Costa Rica, monkeys were thought of as former men, and the spider monkey, in particular, was a warrior. Featured in a standing position, this dynamic monkey, with arms outstreched, grasps his tail which encircles the upper portion of his body. Masterfully worked spiral motifs ornament the curved tail and represent the monkey's large ears. His coffee-bean eyes, wide nose and snarling mouth complete this golden image, so revered by the ancient Costa Ricans. A complete mastery of the medium coupled with and aesthtic that was highly sensitive to the natural and supernatural world, resulted in works of art such as this gold pendant, that remain age-less in their spirited beauty.   « Less

Gold Pendant of a Jaguar Eating a Double-Headed Snake - FJ.5223, Origin: Costa Rica, Circa: 700 AD to 1550 AD, Dimensions: 4.875" (12.4cm) high, Catalogue: V8, Collection:  More »

Gold Pendant of a Jaguar Eating a Double-Headed Snake - FJ.5223, Origin: Costa Rica, Circa: 700 AD to 1550 AD, Dimensions: 4.875" (12.4cm) high, Catalogue: V8, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Pre-Columbian, Medium: Gold.   « Less