Pre-Columbian Art / Gold Pendant of a Frog with a Double-Headed Snake Emerging From its Mouth - FJ.6168, Origin: Costa Rican/Panamanian Border Area, Circa: 500 AD to 1550 AD,  More »

Pre-Columbian Art / Gold Pendant of a Frog with a Double-Headed Snake Emerging From its Mouth - FJ.6168, Origin: Costa Rican/Panamanian Border Area, Circa: 500 AD to 1550 AD, Dimensions: 2" (5.1cm) high, Catalogue: V21, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Pre-Columbian, Medium: Gold.   « Less

Gold Pendant of a Frog with a Double-Headed Crocodile Emerging from its Mouth - FJ.6169, Origin: Costa Rica/Panama, Circa: 500 AD to 1550 AD, Dimensions: 2.875" (7.3cm) high,  More »

Gold Pendant of a Frog with a Double-Headed Crocodile Emerging from its Mouth - FJ.6169, Origin: Costa Rica/Panama, Circa: 500 AD to 1550 AD, Dimensions: 2.875" (7.3cm) high, Catalogue: V21, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Pre-Columbian, Medium: Gold. Apart from their obvious charm, frogs had symbolic importance for the ancient Costa Ricans. Gold pendants usually show frogs in a naturalistic pose, sitting with hind legs flexed and rear feet often as oversized rectangular or trapezoidal plaques.   « Less

Diquis Gold Pendant of a Shaman - FJ.6210, Origin: Costa Rica/Panama, Circa: 500 AD to 1550 AD, Dimensions: 2" (5.1cm) high, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Costa Rican,  More »

Diquis Gold Pendant of a Shaman - FJ.6210, Origin: Costa Rica/Panama, Circa: 500 AD to 1550 AD, Dimensions: 2" (5.1cm) high, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Costa Rican, Medium: Gold. The shaman of ancient Costa Rica was someone who might perform many different roles- healer, magician, herbalist, political leader and artist. Being all things at once or only one at a time, some shamans possessed extraordinary knowledge mixed with a degree of psychic power. Others were strictly con artists who deceived the people through cleverness. When genuine, a shaman could engender great respect and was a crucial part of society; thus accounting for their being immortalized in gold.   « Less

Gold Saurian Pendant - FJ.6218, Origin: Costa Rican/Panamanian Border Area, Circa: 500 AD to 1550 AD, Dimensions: 4.75" (12.1cm) high x 3.25" (8.3cm) wide, Catalogue: V23,  More »

Gold Saurian Pendant - FJ.6218, Origin: Costa Rican/Panamanian Border Area, Circa: 500 AD to 1550 AD, Dimensions: 4.75" (12.1cm) high x 3.25" (8.3cm) wide, Catalogue: V23, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Pre-Columbian, Medium: Gold.   « Less

Sinu Gold Pendant of a Man Dressed in a Ceremonial Costume - FJ.6234, Origin: Colombia, Circa: 600 AD to 1600 AD, Dimensions: 3.75" (9.5cm) high x 2.5" (6.4cm) wide,  More »

Sinu Gold Pendant of a Man Dressed in a Ceremonial Costume - FJ.6234, Origin: Colombia, Circa: 600 AD to 1600 AD, Dimensions: 3.75" (9.5cm) high x 2.5" (6.4cm) wide, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Pre-Columbian, Medium: Gold.   « Less

Gold Pendant Featuring a Human Head - FJ.6240, Origin: Cauca, Colombia, Circa: 1100 AD to 1400 AD, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Cauca, Medium: Gold. The gold of Cauca  More »

Gold Pendant Featuring a Human Head - FJ.6240, Origin: Cauca, Colombia, Circa: 1100 AD to 1400 AD, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Cauca, Medium: Gold. The gold of Cauca consists mainly of objects representing a bird with human features, found in different forms including breastplates. The bird-like quality is evident in this lovely pendant, which could in fact be considered a breastplate due to its size. The upper portion is like a plume of feathers, fanning out in sweeping curves, twisting into the body towards the spiral earrings. Compared to this baroque quality, the bottom section is formal and stately. Descending from the neck like a ceremonial axe it cleverly depicts broad shoulders and chest, with subtle and effective decoration of two rows of triangles. The face is the most endearing part, with its penetrating eyes, elegantly small nose, petite mouth, and cheeks puffed as if having taken a deep breath. Though quite minimal in style, the effect of this beautiful pendant is of vibrancy, youthful freshness, radiant sunlight, all enhanced by the brilliant gold and a certain mystery that defies explanation.   « Less

Diquis Gold Pendant of a Shaman Wearing a Double-Headed Saurian Mask - FJ.6244, Origin: Costa Rican/Panamanian Border Area, Circa: 500 AD to 1550 AD, Dimensions: 4" (10.2cm)  More »

Diquis Gold Pendant of a Shaman Wearing a Double-Headed Saurian Mask - FJ.6244, Origin: Costa Rican/Panamanian Border Area, Circa: 500 AD to 1550 AD, Dimensions: 4" (10.2cm) high x 3.75" (9.5cm) wide, Catalogue: V23, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Diquis, Medium: Gold. This fantastic and powerful pendant is classic Diquis style. The dramatic pose of the figure, the slightly curved upper band, symmetrical balance, and design of the snake heads are characteristic of the inventive Diquis goldsmiths. What we are seeing here is a shamanic figure with two heads in the form of either a jaguar or crocodile. The highly stylized heads may represent masks worn by shamans (sorcerers) during ritual ceremonies. The double heads suggest the principal of duality, (good and evil forces), characteristic of shamanic belief. However, the snake image is crucial to the understanding of the pendant's significance as a ritual object. The figure holds a snake in each hand, and his penis is cleverly shaped like a snake's head. This is an overt symbol of sexuality, as the serpent was directly associated with the male member and used to represent fertility. This pendant may have been worn by a shaman who specialized in matters related to procreation. The artistry and inventive flair is as powerful as the pendant's symbolism, and both these elements merge with the brilliant gold to form a work of art of outstanding beauty.   « Less

Gold Pendant of a Double-Headed Composite Creature - FJ.6247, Origin: Costa Rican/Panamanian Border Area, Circa: 500 AD to 1550 AD, Dimensions: 4" (10.2cm) high x 3.25"  More »

Gold Pendant of a Double-Headed Composite Creature - FJ.6247, Origin: Costa Rican/Panamanian Border Area, Circa: 500 AD to 1550 AD, Dimensions: 4" (10.2cm) high x 3.25" (8.3cm) wide, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Pre-Columbian, Medium: Gold.   « Less

Diquis Gold Pendant of a Frog - FJ.6248, Origin: Costa Rican/Panamanian Border Area, Circa: 500 AD to 1550 AD, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Diquis, Medium: Gold. The  More »

Diquis Gold Pendant of a Frog - FJ.6248, Origin: Costa Rican/Panamanian Border Area, Circa: 500 AD to 1550 AD, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Diquis, Medium: Gold. The goldsmiths of the Diquis border region delighted in creating frog jewelry. But few are as delightful as this very charming frog pendant. The detail on this little fellow is quite marvellous and was probably modeled on life. The rain forests of Costa Rica abound in a great variety of frog species, some of them colored in brilliant yellow-gold, and may only reach an inch in length. His great eyes protrude watchful and ever alert for insects, or just scanning his territory. There is even a suggestion of a tongue, a mere slip of gold, but very effective, as if he has just finished a meal and is licking his lips. The checkerboard pattern down his back adds texture and even a sense of color. The broad trapezoidal feet are typical of Diquis goldsmiths' stylization, and are similar to those of tree frogs. With his hind legs tucked tightly against his body he is ready to spring from his perch. Yet, he may rise to greater heights as a vigilant watcher of the world from his vantage point pinned to someone who wears him proudly.   « Less

Diquis Gold Pendant of a Frog - FJ.6249, Origin: Costa Rican/Panamanian Border Area, Circa: 500 AD to 1550 AD, Dimensions: 1.25" (3.2cm) high, Collection: Pre-Columbian,  More »

Diquis Gold Pendant of a Frog - FJ.6249, Origin: Costa Rican/Panamanian Border Area, Circa: 500 AD to 1550 AD, Dimensions: 1.25" (3.2cm) high, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Diquis, Medium: Gold. Goldsmiths from the Diquis region are famous for their ability to produce very realistic representations; and to merge human and animal forms into mythical creations. Frogs are frequent subjects symbolizing a creature which is comfortable on land, in the water and living in trees. The deeper symbolic meaning may be connected with shamanic belief that a sorcerer is someone who can interact in the physical world and the realm of spirit. The frog then may symbolize this adaptability, and be instantly recognizable as such. This delightful pendant is very detailed and lovingly made. Considerable care was taken to give it not only a realistic appearance, but also a personality. The eyes are lovely round balls encircled by a slim band. The effect is as if he is staring straight at you with curiosity and amused interest. A textured band down his back is composed of very tiny slashes. His front legs act as loops for a chain or chord to be passed through. The back legs give the clever impression of webbed toes and the tight bend at the knees typical of frogs. It is amazing how much charm and character has been endowed in a pendant the size of the tip of one's finger. This frog is so adorable he might suddenly come to life and jump from his perch. Yet, for all these centuries he has been watchful and alert, waiting to again decorate someone who is proud to wear him.   « Less