Diquis Gold Avian Pendant - FJ.5224, Origin: Costa Rica, Circa: 700 AD to 1550 AD, Dimensions: 3.5" (8.9cm) high, Catalogue: V8, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Diquis,  More »

Diquis Gold Avian Pendant - FJ.5224, Origin: Costa Rica, Circa: 700 AD to 1550 AD, Dimensions: 3.5" (8.9cm) high, Catalogue: V8, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Diquis, Medium: Gold.   « Less

Diquis Gold Avian Pendant - FJ.5231, Origin: Costa Rica, Circa: 700 AD to 1550 AD, imensions: 5" (12.7cm) high x 5.25" (13.3cm) wide, Catalogue: V8, Collection:  More »

Diquis Gold Avian Pendant - FJ.5231, Origin: Costa Rica, Circa: 700 AD to 1550 AD, imensions: 5" (12.7cm) high x 5.25" (13.3cm) wide, Catalogue: V8, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Diquis, Medium: Gold. As its name implies, Costa Rica has been famous for its gold since the moment of European discovery. "The quality of gold that abounds here is very great, and of good karat, as can be seen form the plates of gold the Indians beat out," these are the words of the 16th century Spanish explorer Diego De Sojo, written after he experienced the extensive and exquisite gold craftsmanship of ancient Costa Rica. Today this artistic heritage can still be enjoyed through such masterpieces as this stunning gold avian pendant. The epitome of power and energy, this avian spreads his stylized wings and tail feathers to their full plumage. A large open, hooked beak projects outward from the bird's head, revealing a set of sharp pointed reptilian teeth which serves to emphasize the symbolic union of the ancient mythologocal traits of the bird and reptile. Further evidence of the composite nature of this dramatic figure can be seen in the two ornate alligator heads that project from either side of the avian. A crown composed of five animal heads, possibly deer, completes the image, yet another element that adds to the dynamic complexity of this imaginative work of art. While the intricacies of its original symbolic meaning may be unclear, what is known for certain is that this ancient avian pendant continues to exude an aura of primal energy and spirit--one that captures the imagination and stimulates our senses.   « Less

Gold Pendant of a Frog - FJ.5335, Origin: Costa Rica, Circa: 1000 AD to 1550 AD, Dimensions: 2" (5.1cm) depth, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Pre-Columbian, Medium: Gold.  More »

Gold Pendant of a Frog - FJ.5335, Origin: Costa Rica, Circa: 1000 AD to 1550 AD, Dimensions: 2" (5.1cm) depth, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Pre-Columbian, Medium: Gold. The name Costa Rica, rich coast, derives from the enthusiastic accounts of European conquistadors who had seen the proliferation and diversity of goldwork from the area. Strikingly different cultural and artistic traditions have long been associated with two primary environmental zones that embody the region of Costa Rica. The North-Western quarter of the country, Guanacaste-Nicoya, had ties with Mesoamerica through much of pre-history. The eastern, central and southern regions, known as the Central Highlands, Atlantic Watershed and Diquis, are closer culturally to Panama and Northern South America. This intermingling with different cultures resulted in the frontier of Costa Rica producing a rich and varied artistic repertoire, and nowhere is this artistic splendor more evident than in Costa Rican goldwork. Here we see a remarkable example of their craftsmanship in the form of a gold pendant from the diquis region. Stylistically similar to the goldwork of neighboring Panama, this amphibian pendant evidences the exquisite filigree detail for which the ancient regional artists are known. Frogs of numerous species abounded in this tropical area of Costa Rica and this extraordinary gold frog probably represents a stylized version of a tree frog, whose characteristic long legs and feet are artistically portrayed here. Radiating a potent beauty that transcends time and place, this Costa Rican gold frog pendant is a testimony to the astonishing skill and keen aesthtic sesibilities of a culture that may be lost in time, but is not lost in spirit.   « Less

Pre-Columbian Art / Gold Pendant Depicting Five Frogs - FJ.6038, Origin: Costa Rican/Panamanian Border Area, Circa: 500 AD to 1550 AD, Dimensions: 2.75" (7.0cm) high,  More »

Pre-Columbian Art / Gold Pendant Depicting Five Frogs - FJ.6038, Origin: Costa Rican/Panamanian Border Area, Circa: 500 AD to 1550 AD, Dimensions: 2.75" (7.0cm) high, Catalogue: V21, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Pre-Columbian, Medium: Gold. Five smiling frogs peer innocently at us from radiant gold. Attached at each end there are loops which hold the pendant in place. The frogs' hind legs and full, round bodies taper into four lines of gold, perhaps representing water. Undoubtedly sublime in its simplicity and charm, this pendant leaves and idelible mark on our minds. It has a jovial air about it which allows innumerable interpritaions of the artist's intentions to be contemplated. From one soul to another, the appreciation of this beautiful pendant is the common thread which links its ancient owner to the person who desires to possess it today.   « Less

Pre-Columbian Art / Gold Pendant of a Harpy Eagle - FJ.6043, Origin: Costa Rica/Panama, Circa: 500 AD to 1550 AD, Dimensions: .75" (1.9cm) high x 2" (5.1cm) wide, Catalogue:  More »

Pre-Columbian Art / Gold Pendant of a Harpy Eagle - FJ.6043, Origin: Costa Rica/Panama, Circa: 500 AD to 1550 AD, Dimensions: .75" (1.9cm) high x 2" (5.1cm) wide, Catalogue: V21, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Pre-Columbian, Medium: Gold.   « Less

Gold Pendant of a Jaguar/Buzzard Composite Creature - FJ.6045, Origin: Costa Rican/Panamanian Border Area, Circa: 500 AD to 1550 AD, Dimensions: 1.125" (2.9cm) high,  More »

Gold Pendant of a Jaguar/Buzzard Composite Creature - FJ.6045, Origin: Costa Rican/Panamanian Border Area, Circa: 500 AD to 1550 AD, Dimensions: 1.125" (2.9cm) high, Catalogue: V21, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Pre-Columbian, Medium: Gold.   « Less

Gold Bell Pendant of a Monkey - FJ.6046, Origin: Costa Rica/Panama, Circa: 500 AD to 1550 AD, Dimensions: 1.5" (3.8cm) high, Catalogue: V21, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style:  More »

Gold Bell Pendant of a Monkey - FJ.6046, Origin: Costa Rica/Panama, Circa: 500 AD to 1550 AD, Dimensions: 1.5" (3.8cm) high, Catalogue: V21, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Costa Rican, Medium: Gold.   « Less

Pre-Columbian Art / Gold Pendant of a Shaman - FJ.6047, Origin: Costa Rican/Panamanian Border Area, Circa: 500 AD to 1550 AD, Dimensions: 1.25" (3.2cm) high, Catalogue: V21,  More »

Pre-Columbian Art / Gold Pendant of a Shaman - FJ.6047, Origin: Costa Rican/Panamanian Border Area, Circa: 500 AD to 1550 AD, Dimensions: 1.25" (3.2cm) high, Catalogue: V21, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Pre-Columbian, Medium: Gold. A convolution of dynamic energy radiates outward in all directions from this exquisite work of art. Encircled by two beautiful, swirling frames of gold, the shaman stands before us in silent meditation. He displays an erection and holds his hand with palms out as if in a trance. He wears a belt which looks like a thick, twisted cord. Since the cord emanates from the area of his penis, it may have sexual or procreative significance. Jewelry adorns his legs. Brilliantly executed, this miniature work of art offers us an insight into an ancient world of mysterious rituals and artistic beauty.   « Less

Gold Pendant of a Jaguar with a Head on its Tail - FJ.6049, Origin: Costa Rican/Panamanian Border Area, Circa: 500 AD to 1550 AD, Dimensions: 3.25" (8.3cm) depth, Catalogue:  More »

Gold Pendant of a Jaguar with a Head on its Tail - FJ.6049, Origin: Costa Rican/Panamanian Border Area, Circa: 500 AD to 1550 AD, Dimensions: 3.25" (8.3cm) depth, Catalogue: V21, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Pre-Columbian, Medium: Gold. The jaguar has had great mythological significance in Pre-Columbian art from the earliest Olmec civilization. The great cat, both beautiful and fierce, has been the subject of devotion and admiration for centuries. The gold masterpiece which silently shimmers in all its glory and mystery before us is undoubtedly an exceptional work of art. It combines the powerful forces of artistic ingenuity with supernatural and mythical imagery. Under the influence of hallucionatory drugs, the shaman could turn at will into a jaguar, and in this supernatural disguise he had great powers. The tail of the jaguar terminates into an energetic jaguar head with applied circular eyes and snarling mouth with an applied nose and ears. Both front and rear legs of the jaguar are similar in form and create a feeling of swift movement. The back portion of the jaguar from the tail to ears is adormed with a fanciful and delicate filigree of beautiful symmetrical coils of gold. Ornate braided gold filigree encircles the applied circular eyes on the large jaguar's head and fierce fangs curl around the upper and lower lips. The nose and ears are prominent and alert! The two loops on its front paws lead us to believe that it was worn as a pendant. The entire composition is full of unexpected surprises and dynamic power. Such an extraordinary pendant was cetainly worn by a person of high rank and authority in society.   « Less

Gold Avian Pendant - FJ.6051, Origin: Costa Rican/Panamanian Border Area, Circa: 500 AD to 1550 AD, Dimensions: 3" (7.6cm) high, Catalogue: V21, Collection: Pre-Columbian,  More »

Gold Avian Pendant - FJ.6051, Origin: Costa Rican/Panamanian Border Area, Circa: 500 AD to 1550 AD, Dimensions: 3" (7.6cm) high, Catalogue: V21, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Pre-Columbian, Medium: Gold. At once, we are mesmorized by the beauty of this fabulous gold avian pendant. Gorgeous decorations grace the upper and lower edges of the outspread wings. Extravagant earspools made of swirling scrolls of gold adorn either side of the head. The large hooked beak is emphasized by a decorative element and may indicate that this bird is a harpy eagle. The harpy eagle was clearly appreciated and revered by the natives who inhabited this enigmatic mythological world. The transformation from the mundane to the supernatural is readily apparent in view of the ferocious crocodile snouts terminating from necks glistening in gold and adorned with beautiful ornamentation. These anthropomorphic creatures burst forth from the eagle's head with a tremendous force of intrinsic energy. The entire composition emanates a remarkable amount of energy which intensifies the longer we admire it. The shaman, priest, nobility who may have worn this fabulous work of art must have made a great statement by his exquisite taste which can only be appreciated by a kindred soul.   « Less