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Three saurians effigy pendant
Macaracas or Parita
A.D. 700–1550
Object Place: Azuero Peninsula, Panama
Medium/Technique
Gold
Dimensions
2.5 x 4.8 cm (1 x 1 7/8 in.)
Credit Line
Museum purchase with funds donated by Landon T. Clay
Accession Number1971.783
ClassificationsJewelry / Adornment – Pendants
DescriptionCast gold pendant of three conjoined saurians (lizards or crocodiles), with upraised arms and widely splayed legs. Concave belly areas originally held inlays (likely of stone). Each saurian has a suspension ring at the back of its neck.
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.