Pre-Columbian, Panama, ca. 1200 to 1500 CE. A breathtaking, finely cast 89% gold (equivalent to 20K+) shaman pendant from the ancients of Panama strung. The shaman stands with slightly bent legs and extended arms bent at the elbows, holding spiraling serpentine forms in his hands, nude save a belt around his waist, his nipples and penis boldly delineated. Staring ahead with an impassioned expression, his visage comprised of bulging eyes, is dramatic visage, featuring coffee bean shaped eyes, a prominent nose, and a wide full-lipped mouth, is crowned by a horned and spiral-curled headdress, and similarly spiraled ornaments adorn his ankles. With an integral loop behind the neck, this is a fabulous piece of wearable art! Size: 2.625" W x 3" H (6.7 cm x 7.6 cm); weight: 56.5 grams; gold quality: 89%, equivalent to 20K+
Ancient societies of Central America used gold adornment to symbolize power and honor in both life and death. 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.
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.
#154082
Condition
Near choice if not choice. Only minor, near invisible denting and surface wear. Metal rod in photo not included.