Advanced Search 
Animal effigy pendant
Coclé
A.D. 450–1550
Place of Origin: Coclé Province, Panama, Sitio Conte area
Medium/Technique
Agate
Dimensions
Overall: 4.2 x 2 x 6.6 cm (1 5/8 x 13/16 x 2 5/8 in.)
Credit Line
Museum purchase with funds donated by Landon T. Clay
Accession Number1971.786
NOT ON VIEW
ClassificationsJewelry / Adornment – Pendants
Finely carved stone adornments, often in the shape of animals or spirit beings, may have been amulets for supernatural protection or totemic symbols of lineage.
DescriptionStylized rendering of an animal effigy pendant. Biconically drilled hole through the tail area allows for suspension on a cord. End of curled tail is broken off. Agate is mottled gray-brown in color.
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.