Panamanian 15K+ Gold Ornament w/ 4 Turtles, 8.3 gr

Pre-Columbian, Panama, ca. 8th to 10th century CE. A lovely ornament depicting four frogs, these endearing denizens of the rainforest comprised of 66% gold, equivalent to over 15K. The tribal societies of Central America used gold adornment to symbolize power and honor in both life and death. Leaders wore cast gold images in the shape of naturalistic animals such as this ensemble of four frogs, human-animal combinations, and composite beasts. Gold was so highly regarded that leaders were buried surrounded by goldworks. Without written records, the meaning of these symbols cannot be precisely deciphered. However, scholars believe that frogs symbolized fertility as well as rain water and all the sustenance that it brings. Weight: 8.3 grams. Size: 1.5" W x .375" H (3.8 cm x 1 cm). Gold quality: 66%, equivalent to 15K+.

Provenance: ex Craig Hendrix collection, South Carolina, USA; ex Charles Craig Jr. collection, Costa Rica, acquired in the 1960s and 1970s

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#154091
Condition Report: Minor casting flaws and some areas of abrasion. Otherwise very nice. Deposits in recesses as shown.