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Embossed gold pectoral
Coclé
AD 700–1520
Place of Origin: Sitio Conte area, Coclé Province, Panama
Medium/Technique
Gold alloy
Dimensions
Height x diameter: 10.3 x 10.8 cm (4 1/16 x 4 1/4 in.)
Credit Line
Museum purchase with funds donated by Landon T. Clay
Accession Number1971.1124
ClassificationsJewelry / Adornment – Pectorals
DescriptionHammered and embossed gold disk decorated with the frontal image of a human figure with crocodile-like hands and feet. Small fish-like spirit beings float above the figure. Four pairs of perforations allow for attachment to clothing or as body adornment.
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.