Pendant: Mythical Animal. Veraguas or Diquís. A.D. 900 - 1500. Gold, Weight 168.96 grams. Height 4 5/16 in. Width 3 ½ in.. ... (Total: 1 Item Item)

Description

Pendant: Mythical Animal
Veraguas or Diquís
A.D. 900 - 1500
Gold, Weight 168.96 grams
Height 4 5/16 in. Width 3 ½ in.

A mythicized female animal is shown in displayed posture with its toothed, dog-like head projecting boldly outward from the large trapezoidal headdress. This latter has somewhat randomly placed triangular openings over most of its expanse, with terminating profile zoomorphs at the lower corners. The upturned noses of these heads and those which terminate the bifurcated tail suggest bats of the leaf-nosed family. S-shaped spirals form ears. All the paws show forward- curling toes. The waist emanations suggest shark fins, which might provide a water reference to go with the main creature's earth orientation and the bats' aerial habitat to give a complete three-level cosmological representation. The condition is excellent.

The lot is sold with a statement of authenticity from the distinguished expert Robert Sonin.

Provenance
Charles Craig, Santa Barbara



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