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THBPanamanian Diquis Gold Pendant, Shaman w/ Animals
About Seller
686 S Taylor Ave, Ste 106
Louisville, CO 80027
United States
Selling antiquities, ancient and ethnographic art online since 1993, Artemis Gallery specializes in Classical Antiquities (Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Near Eastern), Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal / Oceanographic art. Our extensive inventory includes pottery, stone, metal, wood, glass and textil...Read more
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About Auction
LiveJun 27, 2024
Classical antiquities, ancient and ethnographic art from cultures encompassing the globe. Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
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- Lot Description
Pre-Columbian, Central America, southern Costa Rica / northern Panama, Diquis, ca. 11th to 16th century CE. An elaborate openwork gold pendant portraying a nude shaman facing defiantly forward with flexed arms grasping the body of a double-headed serpentine creature whose outer body bristles with 8 spider monkeys climbing in force. In southern Costa Rica, certain peoples thought of monkeys as former men; the spider monkey, in particular, was revered as a warrior. A ropelike cord passes from his wrists across his naked body, some form of power conduit related to the braided forms which emanate from his mouth to connect with the 5 birds which ride the shaman’s head. These birds would have been the shaman’s spirit messengers and conveyors during his own flights. The curl-terminated snouts of two creatures extend from the shaman’s ears to his shoulders. Size: 0.8" L x 3.4" W x 2.6" H (2 cm x 8.6 cm x 6.6 cm); gold quality: 74.5% (equivalent to over 17 karats); weight: 66 grams
In many areas the shaman is naked during the most intense trance communication, as seen in this example, thus becoming a fully open receptor of spiritual forces.
In the Pre-Columbian world, birds were understood as sky animals that mediated between humankind and the deities of the celestial realm. Shamans ritualistically transformed into birds and other animals to gain their power, and this figure likely represents a shaman undergoing some transfiguration. It is also a possible depiction of a deceased person, since birds guided human souls to the underworld.
Monkeys in ancient Costa Rican art were probably modeled on the native spider monkey, known for being inquisitive and chattering. They were figures of fun, but also are often associated with creation myths both in Central America and in the Mayan world, suggesting an almost evolutionary understanding of the monkey/human relationship. Various myths recount earlier worlds inhabited by monkeys rather than humans that were destroyed by cataclysms, making monkeys like proto-humans. Monkeys were often associated with writing and art, perhaps because of their observed intelligence.
Provenance: private Dallas, Texas, USA collection, originally acquired in Costa Rica from 1997 - 1998; ex-private Costa Rican collection
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#185703Condition
Cleaned and polished in modern times. A few miniscule nicks and scratches and some light bending; none of which affects imagery. Otherwise, intact, excellent, and wearable as a pendant with great preservation of detail and some light earthen deposits in recessed areas.
- Shipping Info
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