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Shaman-crab effigy bell pendant
Diquís or Chiriquí
A.D. 700–1550
Object Place: Diquís or Chiriquí Provinces, Costa Rica or Panama
Medium/Technique
Gold
Dimensions
7.5 x 5.8 cm (2 15/16 x 2 5/16 in.)
Credit Line
Maria Wharton Wales Fund
Accession Number22.292
ClassificationsJewelry / Adornment – Pendants
DescriptionCast gold bell pendant representing a human-crab figure. The body is that of a crab and the head, arms, and legs are those of a human male. He holds to his mouth a human leg (lower portion from knee to foot), and his raised left arm touches his left ear. A serpent head protrudes from the outside edge of each knee. The bell's sound chamber is created by a flat plate with cruciform opening attached to the crab carapace/human torso on the back of the pendant. A thin ring attached to the neck area on the back of the pendant allows for suspension on a cord.
Provenance1922, sold by Walter Channing Wyman (b. 1850 - d. 1923), Chicago, to the MFA [see note]. (Accession Date: February 2, 1922)
NOTE: Purchased as part of a group of 67 objects (MFA accession nos. 22.282 - 22.348) for $5000.
NOTE: Purchased as part of a group of 67 objects (MFA accession nos. 22.282 - 22.348) for $5000.