Double Pendant in the Form of a Mythical Saurian with Tusks Possibly 800 - 1200

These pendants were crafted by the Coclé people from pre-Columbian Panama using gold and animal tusks, and they speak volumes about the value placed on natural resources and skilled craftsmanship. The tusks, likely sourced through hunting or trade, were carefully selected for their size and shape, then meticulously cleaned and polished. The gold, hammered and shaped with precision, forms an intricate mythical saurian with tusks that seems to guard the precious material below. This pairing of organic and precious materials emphasizes the inherent qualities of both; the tusk’s smooth, weighty presence is juxtaposed against the gold’s delicate, ornate design. The creation of these pendants would have required specialized knowledge and a significant investment of labor, reflecting the wearer's status and importance within their community. These pendants underscore how art objects embody the social and economic structures of their time.