**Originally Listed At $500**

Pre-Columbian, Central America, Panama, ca. 8th to 10th century CE. An extravagant amphibian amulet that is cast from 92% gold (equivalent to 22K+) via the lost wax (cire perdue) process. The slender creature exhibits a pair of laterally protruding arms, a petite head with four spiraling protrusions surrounding bulging eyes and lips, and an enormous, flattened foot extending from the leg base. Leaders of ancient societies in Central America wore gold ornaments to symbolize their power and honor in both life and death. The amphibious form of this example is highly symbolic of fertility, seasonal rains, and agricultural abundance. Size: 0.75" W x 1.25" H (1.9 cm x 3.2 cm); quality of gold: 92% (equivalent to 22K+); total weight: 3.8 grams.

Provenance: ex-Craig Hendrix collection, South Carolina, USA; ex-Charles Craig, Jr. collection, Costa Rica, acquired in the 1960s and 1970s

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.

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#154086

Repair to middle of leg, with very light adhesive residue along break line. Loss to left leg as shown. Slight bending to overall form of foot and body, with light encrustations within some recessed details, and very light pitting. Great patina throughout.