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Museum Quality Pre-Columbian Gold Twin Figures Pendant, circa 800 to 1500 AD

$48,500

£36,468.10

€42,348.30

CA$67,729.23

A$75,116.73

CHF 39,447.63

MX$922,486.88

NOK 499,369.47

SEK 470,912.10

DKK 315,964.89

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About the Item

Southern Costa Rica/Western Panama, circa 800 to 1500 AD. Gold Veraguas-Chiriqui-Diquis twin figure pendant cast by the lost-wax (cire perdu) grasping an imaginary club with their claws, with bat ears and pop out eyes and each figure ending in the shape of a jaguar tooth, symbolizing the power of the jaguar and the ability to see in the dark; The casting process did not go entirely smoothly. Part of his mold, on the side of the proper right figure (viewer's left side), did not fill with metal. The Pre-Columbian goldsmith carried out a superb repair, probably making a wax patch and pouring gate on the gold pendant, then enclosing it in a new mold and pouring in more metal. The patch is hardly visible on the outside. A modern goldsmith, who cannot do it as well, would use his gas torch to solder on a patch. The gold is of such high grade or karat, possibly unalloyed native gold, that it shows no sign of corrosion, such as we see in tumbaga, an alloy of gold and copper that Mesoamericans frequently used because of its good casting qualities. This piece comes with an authenticity letter from Mr. Rober Sonin, Feb. 1 2006. reference photo roll 3291. In Pre-Colombian America (America before Christopher Columbus), gold was developed in the context of ritual and regalia, it was transformed into objects for gods and rulers. The earliest evidence for the working of gold in the New World comes from Peru, in South America. The first salient works were personal ornaments such as headdresses, pectorals, necklaces, ear and nose ornaments and the like. These artifacts were found in royal burials of powerful emperors. These works were often transported across great distances and handed down over generations, making them a primary means by which ideas were exchanged between regions and across time. Crucial bearers of meaning, gold was especially susceptible to destruction and transformation; thus these works are rare testaments to the brilliance of ancient American artists. Gold too was closely associated with the supernatural realm. This majestic material was meant to provoke a strong response - perceptually, sensually, and conceptually - to transport the wearer and beholder into new realms. The imagery of these early works speaks to a rich mythological world of snarling, fantastic beasts and other extraordinary beings.

Dimensions:
Height: 3.25 in (8.26 cm)Width: 5.125 in (13.02 cm)Depth: 1 in (2.54 cm)
Style:
Pre-Columbian (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Gold
Place of Origin:
Costa Rica
Period:
15th Century and Earlier
Date of Manufacture:
800-1500 AD
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Minor structural damages.
Seller Location:
San Pedro Garza Garcia, MX
Reference Number:
Seller: CA-0101stDibs: LU3172311290223

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Supernatural Being, Pre-Columbian Gold Pendant, Costa Rica, circa 800 to 1500 AD

Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon

Southern Costa Rica or Western Panama, circa 800 to 1500 AD. A very fine example of the goldwork of the Veraguas-Chiriqui-Diquis region. A pendant in Carbonera style of a supernatural being, a composite monster with human torso and feline (probably jaguar) head. The figure is set in a frame decorated with little animal heads, one at each corner. The hands have also turned into animal heads. In place of genitalia is a stylized serpent head suspended by a twisted cord that was supposed to continue across the frame. A minor casting accident prevented it form being attached to the frame. A modern goldsmith would solder in two short lengths of twisted wire, but the ancient goldsmith did not have the equipment to make such repair. A double thread ending in spirals goes across the frame behind the neck of the figure, helping to fill up the frame and avoiding a large empty space. The word "thread" reminds us that the twisted and straight cords were, in the original wax model of the pendant really extruded wax threads, turned into metal by the lost wax (cire perdue) process. The braid pattern on the frame is illusory, just two twisted threads of extruded wax laid side by side. The goldsmith made the toes out of extruded wax thread too, very decorative as well. The piece comes with a certificate of authenticity by Mr. Robert Sonin, 5 May 2006. ref. photo roll 3301. A world renowned expert on Pre-Columbian Artifacts...

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Costa Rican Pre-Columbian Figurative Sc...

Materials

Gold

Supernatural Being, Pre-Columbian Gold Pendant, Costa Rica, circa 800 to 1500 AD

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