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Embossed disk pectoral

Coclé
A.D. 700–1520
Place of Origin: Coclé Province, Panama, Sitio Conte area

Medium/Technique Gold alloy
Dimensions Overall: 21.6 x 23.5 x 0.2 cm (8 1/2 x 9 1/4 x 1/16 in.)
Credit Line Gift of Landon T. Clay
Accession Number1972.940
CollectionsJewelry, Americas
ClassificationsJewelry / AdornmentPectorals

DescriptionHammered sheet gold disk embossed with the bilateral image of opposed bird-saurian zoomorphs, perhaps based on the crocodile. Two pairs of perforations allow for suspension around the neck or tying onto clothing. One of a pair (see 1972.941).
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 Landon T. Clay, Boston; 1972, gift of Landon T. Clay to the MFA. (Accession Date: October 11, 1972)

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.