Huge / Important Panamanian 15K+ Gold Frog - 56 gr

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Fine Antiquities, Ethnographic & Fine Art

By Artemis Gallery

Aug 13, 2020

Set Reminder 2020-08-13 10:00:00 2020-08-13 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Fine Antiquities, Ethnographic & Fine Art https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/fine-antiquities-ethnographic-fine-art-5415
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• Lot Description
  Pre-Columbian, Central America, Panama, ca. 800 to 1200 CE. An impressively large and elaborately detailed 15K+ gold frog amulet, cast via the lost wax (cire perdue) process, of a robust form with high relief with twin perforations below its front feet, ready to suspend from your favorite gold chain or simply admire as a work of art. This magnificent frog looks as though it is about to spring onto a tree branch with its long, thin legs bent and poised to leap. The back feet are stylized rectangular flat gold forms rather than suckers. The large, gold eyes were applied and the raised band of gold between them resembles a broad smile. The elaborate filigree-like ornamentation emerging before the frog's mouth like a bifurcated tongue represents a bicephalic serpent. Note how the swirling aspect of the serpentine bodies make a striking contrast with the bold geometry of the frog's body. Gold quality: 67.5%, equivalent to 15K+. Weight 56: grams. Size: 3" L x 2.625" W (7.6 cm x 6.7 cm)
  
  This frog pendant is not only impressive for its precious goldwork and artistry, but also deeply symbolic as frogs signified seasonal rainfalls as well as fertility. Snake/serpents provide a fascinating element of Pre-Columbian iconography, as they were regarded to be a beneficial source of nourishment and at the same time quite deadly with their poisonous venom. Also important to the indigenous was the fact that snakes shed their skin annually thus rejuvenating themselves and serving as symbols of renewal and good health. The existence of two snake heads on this piece may suggest the bicephalic serpent which was a signifier of high rank in various Pre-Columbian world views.
  
  Ancient societies of Central America used gold ornaments to symbolize power and honor in both life and death. Leaders wore cast gold animals including frogs like this example - given that numerous species of frogs live in Panama, ranging from tiny terrestrial species to enormous tree frogs, some possessing poisonous skins and many with brilliant hues, hybrid human-animal figures, as well as composite beasts. Gold was so highly regarded that leaders were buried surrounded by goldworks.
  
  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.
  
  A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
  
  We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
  
  #154083

  Condition

  Only slight surface wear and scattered deposits. Generally outstanding!
• Shipping Info

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