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Excavated at the Sitio Conte archaeological site in Panama, these ear rods were among hundreds of exquisite funerary adornments typically found buried alongside high-status men, likely leaders of the Coclé culture. Denoting the power and rank of their wearer, each ear rod was crafted from precious greenstone and sheathed at either end in hammered gold. Coclé metallurgists were particularly masterful and were known for their beautiful mixed media works, in which they combined two or more materials. Here, the artist combined gold with greenstone, two of the most precious materials in Mesoamerica. Found in select locations such as the rivers of southern Guatemala and traded over long distances, greenstone was associated with water and maize. These gold and greenstone ear rods were worn in pairs and would have glimmered as their wearer moved or spoke, drawing attention to the face.
Ear rod
Sitio Conte, Coclé Province, Panama
A.D. 700–1520
Place of Origin: Sitio Conte area, Coclé Province, Panama
Medium/Technique
Greenstone, gold
Dimensions
0.8 x 10 cm (5/16 x 3 15/16 in.)
Credit Line
Museum purchase with funds donated by Landon T. Clay
Accession Number1971.928
ClassificationsJewelry / Adornment – Earrings, flares, plugs, studs
Excavated at the Sitio Conte archaeological site in Panama, these ear rods were among hundreds of exquisite funerary adornments typically found buried alongside high-status men, likely leaders of the Coclé culture. Denoting the power and rank of their wearer, each ear rod was crafted from precious greenstone and sheathed at either end in hammered gold. Coclé metallurgists were particularly masterful and were known for their beautiful mixed media works, in which they combined two or more materials. Here, the artist combined gold with greenstone, two of the most precious materials in Mesoamerica. Found in select locations such as the rivers of southern Guatemala and traded over long distances, greenstone was associated with water and maize. These gold and greenstone ear rods were worn in pairs and would have glimmered as their wearer moved or spoke, drawing attention to the face.
DescriptionGreenstone ear rod with gold sheathing covering each end.
ProvenanceAfter about 1930, excavated in the Sitio Conte area, Coclé Province, Panama. Between about 1950 and 1955, acquired from a private collection, San Jose, Costa Rica by Paul Pasher and, about 1955, entrusted by him to Manuel Miranda Pinto, San Salvador, El Salvador; April 1970, returned by Manuel Miranda Pinto to Paul Pasher, New York; 1970, sold by Paul Pasher to the Edward H. Merrin Gallery, New York; 1971, sold by Merrin Gallery to the MFA. (Accession Date: December 8, 1971)
NOTE: Before acquiring Paul Pasher's collection of Panamanian gold (accession nos. 1971.783-1971.1129 and 1972.940-1972.944) the MFA contacted the National Commission on Historical Archaeology and Monuments, Panama; the president of the Commission responded that no objections were raised to the acquisition.
NOTE: Before acquiring Paul Pasher's collection of Panamanian gold (accession nos. 1971.783-1971.1129 and 1972.940-1972.944) the MFA contacted the National Commission on Historical Archaeology and Monuments, Panama; the president of the Commission responded that no objections were raised to the acquisition.