A Superb Diquis Gold Figural Pendant...

Description

A Superb Diquis Gold Figural Pendant
Costa Rica, c. 700 - 1400 AD

Beautifully crafted, finely detailed hollow cast tumbaga with a high gold content. Depicting a standing male holding a double-chambered implement - possibly a rattle - in each hand. He is naked aside from an eight-strand necklace with the unusual feature of a human head pendant, coiled tubular earrings, and a notched headband rising to a cone. The face is set in a concentrated expression with eyes and mouth closed. The back ornamented with spirals on head, back and legs and a raised loop for suspension. In excellent condition.

Provenance:
Private collection, Atlanta, GA
Enrique Vargas Alfaro, 1960s. Mr. Alfaro was the source of highest quality Pre-Columbian art sold to prestigious collections such as Andre Emmerich, Morton D. May, Frederick and Jan Mayer, and William C. and Carol W. Thibodeaux. Artworks listing him as provenance appear in the collections of the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian, The Denver Art Museum, and the Michael C. Carlos Museum.

Enrique was the grandson of Anastasio Alfaro (1865-1951), archaeologist, geologist, ethnographer, explorer and writer -- an important personality in the cultural development of Costa Rica. He was a member of the board at the National Museum of Costa Rica and author of Antigüedades en Costa Rica (1892).

An analysis of the gold alloy and manufacturing technique by Daniel G. Gall, Ph.D. (Professor of Geology and Archeology, Mount Olive College, North Carolina) accompanies the lot.

Height: 2 ¾ inches
Weight: 62 grams
Tests for 14k gold

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