A Large Gold Turtle Pendant...

Description

A Large Gold Turtle Pendant
Panama, probably Coclé or Greater Chiriquí, c. 800-1200 AD

The turtle's shell is divided into four quadrants and richly covered with openwork double scrolls that give the pendant an unusually airy and intricate character. The underside is worked with equal care, repeating the same double-scroll ornament, with two loops for suspension. Though visually dense, the form is hollow and therefore light in weight. Executed in rich gold alloy, the pendant turns the compact turtle form into a small but highly elaborate feat of design. A jewel-like and unusually refined example, notable for the completeness of its ornament and the delicacy of its openwork construction. In excellent condition.

Length: 3 ½ inches

More Information: Handheld XRF surface reading: Au 76.15%, Ag 11.83%, Cu 12.02%.
The tested surface is read as a gold–silver–copper alloy.


Estimate: $10,000 - $15,000.

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