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Home / Art & Antiques / 2020 November 20 Ethnographic Art American Indian, Pre-Columbian and Tribal Art Signature Auction - Dallas Auction #8020 / Lot #70456
    LOT #70456  | 
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    A Large and Important Gran Cocle Gold Pendant...

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    • Pre-Columbian:Metal/Gold, A Large and Important Gran Cocle Gold Pendant...
    • Pre-Columbian:Metal/Gold, A Large and Important Gran Cocle Gold Pendant...
    • Pre-Columbian:Metal/Gold, A Large and Important Gran Cocle Gold Pendant...
    Pre-Columbian:Metal/Gold, A Large and Important Gran Cocle Gold Pendant... Pre-Columbian:Metal/Gold, A Large and Important Gran Cocle Gold Pendant... Pre-Columbian:Metal/Gold, A Large and Important Gran Cocle Gold Pendant... View More >
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    Description

    A Large and Important Gran Cocle Gold Pendant
    Panama, c. 1100 - 1500 AD

    Superb cast tumbaga pendant in form of a male holding a hollow cone-shaped object (possibly a drum) at his waist and he holds a long thin rod up to his mouth with his other hand. He is naked except for a five-strand bead necklace, and unusual human heads at knees. Serpent heads emerge from each side of his head and from the side of his knees. He is framed by a magnificent braided arch with twelve nearly identical curly-tailed animals climbing to face each other at top. A loop for suspension at back. 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: 4 ¾ inches
    Weight: 166 grams
    Tests for 14kt gold

    Condition Report*: Condition report available upon request.
    *Heritage Auctions strives to provide as much information as possible but encourages in-person inspection by bidders. Statements regarding the condition of objects are only for general guidance and should not be relied upon as complete statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation, warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Some condition issues may not be noted in the condition report but are apparent in the provided photos which are considered part of the condition report. Please note that we do not de-frame lots estimated at $1,000 or less and may not be able to provide additional details for lots valued under $500. Heritage does not guarantee the condition of frames and shall not be liable for any damage/scratches to frames, glass/acrylic coverings, original boxes, display accessories, or art that has slipped in frames. All lots are sold "AS IS" under the Terms & Conditions of Auction.

    Auction Info

    Auction Dates
    November, 2020
    20th Friday
    Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 14
    Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
    Page Views: 1,798

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