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Bat-shaman effigy pendant

Diquís
A.D. 700–1550
Object Place: Diquís Province, Costa Rica

Medium/Technique Gold
Dimensions Overall: 6.5 x 6.3 cm (2 9/16 x 2 1/2 in.)
Credit Line Maria Wharton Wales Fund
Accession Number22.289
CollectionsJewelry, Americas
ClassificationsJewelry / Adornment

DescriptionCast gold shaman effigy pendant rendering a bat-human male figure with arms transformed into wings. Serpent heads flank his feet and head, and he grasps a small feline in his mouth. Although no suspension ring is found on the back of the piece, it likely was worn as a pendant or similar body adornment.
Provenance1922, sold by Walter Channing Wyman (b. 1850 - d. 1923), Chicago, to the MFA [see note]. (Accession Date: February 2, 1922)

NOTE: Purchased as part of a group of 67 objects (MFA accession nos. 22.282 - 22.348) for $5000.