Diquis Gold Pendant of a Frog/Crocodile Composite Creature - FJ.6320, Origin: Costa Rican/Panamanian Border Area, Circa: 500 AD to 1550 AD, Dimensions: 4.25" (10.8cm) high x  More »

Diquis Gold Pendant of a Frog/Crocodile Composite Creature - FJ.6320, Origin: Costa Rican/Panamanian Border Area, Circa: 500 AD to 1550 AD, Dimensions: 4.25" (10.8cm) high x 4.25" (10.8cm) wide, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Diquis, Medium: Gold. Subject matter in Diquis jewelry was strictly controlled. Three of the most important animal subjects are the jaguar, crocodile and frog. This fabulous pendant combines two of these fused together into an imaginary creature that leaves us awed and mystified. The body is that of a frog, with its bulbous middle, protruding eyes and amphibian hind legs. Its head suddenly turns into that of a crocodile's, its fierce teeth bitting into a rope which is attached to the legs. The stylized crocodile motif is given full reign in the heads on the ends of the limbs, along with dual ones extending over the mouth. The horizontal bar topped by a row of triangles at the base is an unusual feature, and gives stability to the flamboyant activity of the body. It is likely this pendant was made for someone of importance, a chief/shaman, who wore it during ritual ceremonies. Though it may no longer serve its original purpose, a work of art this power shines with its own radiance wherever it may be.   « Less

Pre-Columbian Art / Diquis Gold Pendant of a Double-Headed Sea Horse - FJ.6321, Origin: Costa Rican/Panamanian Border Area, Circa: 500 AD to 1550 AD, Dimensions: 4" (10.2cm)  More »

Pre-Columbian Art / Diquis Gold Pendant of a Double-Headed Sea Horse - FJ.6321, Origin: Costa Rican/Panamanian Border Area, Circa: 500 AD to 1550 AD, Dimensions: 4" (10.2cm) high, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Diquis, Medium: Gold. The stylized representation of animals must surely relate to rituals performed by shamans; probably connected with fertility rites or rituals for the gathering of power. It is believed that Diquis pendants are not simply representations of nature, but the outward sign of a complex world of symbolism. This is especially true with such a fabulous pendant, where the real world departs into the supernatural in a most dramatic and graphic manner. Here we see a delightful sea horse with two heads, each one beautifully detailed with spirals and crests. Along the sides are horizontal projections of highly stylized crocodile heads, creating a pattern of intricacy and delicacy. It is this sense of elegance and unusual subject matter, blended with intense power, which gives this pendant such a radiant aura. One particularly endearing feature of sea horses is that they mate for life and perform a ritual dance, intertwining around one another, before mating. Perhaps this act of love is what is being represented here; as unique in the animal world as this pendant is in the world of art.   « Less

Gold Pendant of a Seated Man - FJ.6349, Origin: Panama, Circa: 8 th Century AD to 12 th Century AD, Dimensions: 2.5" (6.4cm) high, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style:  More »

Gold Pendant of a Seated Man - FJ.6349, Origin: Panama, Circa: 8 th Century AD to 12 th Century AD, Dimensions: 2.5" (6.4cm) high, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Pre-Columbian, Medium: Gold.   « Less

Gold Pendant of a Double-Headed Crocodile - FJ.6350, Origin: Costa Rican/Panamanian Border Area, Circa: 500 AD to 1550 AD, Dimensions: 3.5" (8.9cm) high, Collection:  More »

Gold Pendant of a Double-Headed Crocodile - FJ.6350, 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. Saurian imagery (crocodiles, iguanas, lizards) were very popular among goldsmiths, and apparently their clients. The talented artists of Panama were perfectly capable of creating very naturalistic representations of animal or human figures. This constitutes one major category; while the other significant group is the highly abstract, zoomorphic genre. This wonderful pendant shows a double-headed crocodile joined together by a thick body. The heads are in fact quite realistic, using filigree to give attractive details such as the double-bands down the nose curling at the end and around the eyes. The teeth also are very clearly expressed, being sharp and menacing. Realism then leaves off the abstract predominates, in the way myth takes over from reality. The legs are composed of three spirals at the center against the body, flanked by double spirals on each side. The front and back legs are spayed and seem like extensions from the mouth. A thick cord or twined rope attached to the stylized feet unites the entire piece. The crocodile was a highly respected animal, which shaman/sorcerers adopted as emblematic of their powers. Perhaps this beautiful pendant adorned the body of a powerful shaman-chief.   « Less

Diquis Gold Pendant of a Scorpion - FJ.6352, Origin: Costa Rican/Panamanian Border Area, Circa: 500 AD to 1550 AD, Dimensions: 2.5" (6.4cm) depth, Collection: Pre-Columbian,  More »

Diquis Gold Pendant of a Scorpion - FJ.6352, Origin: Costa Rican/Panamanian Border Area, Circa: 500 AD to 1550 AD, Dimensions: 2.5" (6.4cm) depth, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Diquis, Medium: Gold. Though often highly representational, Diquis pendants are also symbols of a complex religious system long since lost to the past. The scorpion may have been an emblem of a high ranking individual, such as a chief or shaman. Or perhaps worn by the wives of noblemen to indicate their status. Certainly they were elite objects, as they still are today, serving both as wonderful ornaments and insignias of prestige. This lovely scorpion is so detailed it seems about to spring to life. The four pairs of legs curve in and out as if they are in motion. The tail is poised to strike, yet there is surprisingly no menace or threat implied. Its face is somewhat abstract in the manner typical of Diquis style, utilizing slim filigree bands to give animation and character. The scaly body is nicely contrasted aesthetically with the wavy effect of the legs, giving the entire object a concise geometric unity. Above all, this pendant is full of charm, and can be worn proudly as it was centuries ago.   « Less

Cauca Gold Pendant of a Human/Sea Horse Composite Creature - FJ.6354, Origin: Cauca, Colombia, Circa: 1150 AD to 1600 AD, Dimensions: 4.25" (10.8cm) high, Collection:  More »

Cauca Gold Pendant of a Human/Sea Horse Composite Creature - FJ.6354, Origin: Cauca, Colombia, Circa: 1150 AD to 1600 AD, Dimensions: 4.25" (10.8cm) high, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Cauca, Medium: Gold. The iconography of Pre-Columbian gold allows us a glimpse into the esoteric ritual and religious practices of the ancient people of Colombia. This extraordinary figure is full of mystery and wonder. The elegant body is half-human, half-fish, or perhaps sea horse with its delightfully curved tail. The headdress is composed of two identical separate sections, with markings around the edge, creating an effect like feathers. A raised rim around the person's face indicates the border of the headdress, and gives us a clear idea how it would have been attached to a dancer or performer. The fact he is holding onto a straight bar suggests someone performing an act, such as a trapeze artist or ancient equivalent. Loops on the bar, the hollow horizontal bar on the abdomen, and the two extensions at the waist were probably meant to hold "danglers" or small plaques. These would have created a delicate jingling sound when moved. What we are seeing here may be a representation of an acrobat, or even a shaman (sorcerer) involved in a ritual act. The grace and dignity of this figure is truly a marvel, and leaves our eyes and mind dazzled by its beauty and brilliance.   « Less

Gold Tubular Pendant Featuring Five Parrots - FJ.6355, Origin: Costa Rican/Panamanian Border Area, Circa: 500 AD to 1550 AD, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Pre-Columbian,  More »

Gold Tubular Pendant Featuring Five Parrots - FJ.6355, Origin: Costa Rican/Panamanian Border Area, Circa: 500 AD to 1550 AD, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Pre-Columbian, Medium: Gold. It is certainly true that the artists/goldsmiths of ancient Costa Rica produced objects with deep ritualistic meaning. They made what their clients demanded; and yet, we must allow a place for pure creation based on no other motive than the pleasure it gave the creator. This very charming pendant may fall into this category; a work of art so full of delight it defies a strictly scholarly approach to its meaning. The five birds, probably parrots, sit in a neat row on top of a thick hollow tube. Their beaks are so long they nearly touch the chest. They are poised in an amusing way; birds have of appearing very quizzical, especially the bird at the far end (left) whose head is slightly cocked as if he is not quite certain what he's seeing. The tiny beads used for eyes give all these feathered fellows a look of intelligence and gentle humor. Now that they have emerged into the light after centuries, they can once again scan the world from their new perch and delight everyone they see.   « Less

Diquis Gold Pendant of a Shaman Dressed in a Saurian Costume - FJ.6356, Origin: Costa Rican/Panamanian Border Area, Circa: 500 AD to 1550 AD, Dimensions: 5" (12.7cm) high,  More »

Diquis Gold Pendant of a Shaman Dressed in a Saurian Costume - FJ.6356, Origin: Costa Rican/Panamanian Border Area, Circa: 500 AD to 1550 AD, Dimensions: 5" (12.7cm) high, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Diquis, Medium: Gold. This spectacular pendant allows us a glimpse into the ritual practices of the ancient Costa Ricans. The man-animal motif is common among Diquis gold objects, and shows a male figure wearing a crocodile mask. He is in ritual costume comprising a breastplate, woven belt, elaborate headdress, and trapezoidal feet which may be a type stlt. Attached to his elbows and knees are identical geometric objects like highly stylized alligator heads. These are similar to the two extensions which the man is holding onto with both hands. His mask is very powerful and richly detailed, with its filigreed eyes and sharp row of teeth. His genitalia is in the shape of a snake, a symbol of fertility, and may be a penis sheath. This man is probably a shaman/chief 'performing' in a ritual ceremony, and may represent exactly how such a person would have appeared. The dramatic presence of this figure is no less amazing than the beauty of the pendant, and both combine to form a work of art with historical and artistic importance.   « Less

Diquis Gold Pendant of a Shaman Wearing a Jaguar Mask - FJ.6357, Origin: Costa Rican/Panamanian Border Area, Circa: 500 AD to 1550 AD, Dimensions: 2.75" (7.0cm) high,  More »

Diquis Gold Pendant of a Shaman Wearing a Jaguar Mask - FJ.6357, Origin: Costa Rican/Panamanian Border Area, Circa: 500 AD to 1550 AD, Dimensions: 2.75" (7.0cm) high, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Diquis, Medium: Gold. It is debatable which is more striking in the Diquis pendants-- the artistry, the iconography, or the gold! Certainly, all three elements blend with such perfection that such an object as this superb pendant can be considered a rare and beautiful work of art. The meaning of the image of a male wearing a jaguar mask is probably related to a ritual context. He is naked except for the belt around his waist and the straps encircling his knees and ankles. It is known that only members of the nobility were permitted to ge without clothes. This man's elite status is also indicated by the jaguar and monkey imagery, since both animals were symbols of two clans from which chiefs were chosen. His 'pigeon- chest' suggests he is also a shaman or sercerer. It is very likely we are witnessing a shaman/chief involved in an elaborate ritual ceremony. The stylized elements seen in the flat arms and coils for hands and feet add a dramatic quality, and do not take away from the realism. This extraordinary pendant is both a symbol of power, and a graceful expression of a goldsmith's magnificent artistry.   « Less

Gold Bracelet - FJ.6359, Origin: Costa Rican/Panamanian Border Area, Circa: 500 AD to 1550 AD, Dimensions: 2.5" (6.4cm) depth, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style:  More »

Gold Bracelet - FJ.6359, Origin: Costa Rican/Panamanian Border Area, Circa: 500 AD to 1550 AD, Dimensions: 2.5" (6.4cm) depth, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Pre-Columbian, Medium: Gold. Though gold was plentiful in the streams of ancient Costa Rica, the working of raw gold into jewelry necessitated expert goldsmiths. To have works commissioned required not only money but also authority, which is why the wearing of elaborate jewelry was restricted to the elite classes. Chiefs, warriors and shaman, (and presumably their wives), wore plenty of gold jewelry as attested by the Spanish chroniclers who were astonished at the amount and quality of the ornamentation. This bracelet is simple and elegant, made from a beaten sheet of pure gold, embossed on the rims, and twisted to suit the wrist. The wide surface area allows light from the sun to reflect off it. Some ancient people believe there was an association between gold and the regenerative power of the sun. Certainly, to wear or display this bracelet is like owning something that is not only precious but also mysterious.   « Less