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Embossed gold pectoral
Coclé
A.D. 700–1520
Place of Origin: Coclé Province, Panama, Sitio Conte area
Medium/Technique
Gold alloy
Dimensions
8.89 x 9.84 cm (3 1/2 x 3 7/8 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Landon T. Clay
Accession Number1972.944
ClassificationsJewelry / Adornment – Pectorals
DescriptionHammered sheet gold disk embossed with the bilaterally symmetrical image of a saurian, perhaps based the crocodile. Four pairs of perforations allow for suspension or tying onto clothing.
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.
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.