Pendant in the form of a mythical creature
Pendant in the form of a mythical creature

On view

Art of the Ancient Americas

Pendant in the form of a mythical creature

Diquís
y1968-47

Central American Goldwork

Around A.D. 550, the technology of making small ornaments and sculptures from copper-gold alloys via lost-wax casting spread rapidly from Colombia north, becoming a primary medium for prestigious objects for the chiefdoms of Central America. The ancient peoples of Colombia and Central America were closely related and spoke similar languages, facilitating the introduction of this new technology. Soon after its arrival, gold replaced jade as the most coveted and prized of art-making materials and was used for small representations of animals and people, as well as jewelry. By about A.D. 1000, these metallurgical techniques spread into Mesoamerica, where artists produced glittering objects that convey local ideas in local styles.

Information

Title
Pendant in the form of a mythical creature
Medium
Gold
Dimensions
4 × 3.1 × 2.3 cm (1 9/16 × 1 1/4 × 7/8 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of J. Lionberger Davis, Class of 1900
Object Number
y1968-47
Place Made

North America, Panama, Diquis

Reference Numbers
Davis TKL
Period
Pre-Columbian Central American styles and periods
Type
pendants (jewelry)
Materials
gold
Subject
mammals, heads

By 1967, J. Lionberger Davis (1878-1973), Princeton, NJ (TKL) [1]; 1968, gift to the Princeton University Art Museum.

Notes:
[1] Lionberger Davis lent the work to Princeton in 1967 (L.1967.127).

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