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Embossed gold pectoral
Coclé
A.D. 700–1520
Place of Origin: Sitio Conte area, Coclé Province, Panama
Medium/Technique
Gold
Dimensions
4.4 x 7.8 cm (1 3/4 x 3 1/16 in.)
Credit Line
Museum purchase with funds donated by Landon T. Clay
Accession Number1971.1001
NOT ON VIEW
ClassificationsJewelry / Adornment – Pectorals
DescriptionElliptical gold disk in the shape of a butterfly with embossed bilaterally summetrical serpent motifs on the wings. Two perforations for suspension also serve as the butterfly's eyes. Traces of red pigment on front lower left wing area.
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.