Pre-Columbian, Costa Rica or Panama, Chiriqui (Veraguas) culture, ca. 900 to 1500 CE. A gorgeous figural pendant of highly abstract form that is cast from 69.58% to 71.58% gold (equivalent to 15K+). The intriguing figure presents nude while standing atop delineated legs, its knees slightly bent, with sinuous arms curving off the sides of the slightly protruding chest, each hand holding the end of a twisted rope next to an X-shaped cap with spiraling terminals. Most prominent on this composition is the pair of identical zoomorphic heads - perhaps depicting saurian creatures - with protruding spherical eyes, upturned noses, spiraling S-shaped ears, and open mouths biting the midsection of the grasped rope. An integral suspension loop emanating from behind the midpoint between the 2 heads enables this pendant to be worn on a modern necklace cord. Size: 1.75" W x 1.5" H (4.4 cm x 3.8 cm); gold quality: 69.58% to 71.58% (equivalent to 15K+); weight: 17.7 grams

Ancient societies of Central America used gold ornaments to symbolize power and honor in both life and death. Gold was so highly regarded that leaders were buried surrounded by goldworks, including abstract figures like this example.

Provenance: ex-private Van Buskirk collection, Tucson, Arizona USA

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#170966

Possible restoration to fingers on one or both hands, though professionally executed if present. Minor encrustations within some recessed areas, with very light abrasions, and slight bending to overall form of some spiraling elements, otherwise intact and excellent. Fabulous luster throughout and great preservation to finer details.