Pendant in the Form of Four Double-Headed Figures with Long Beaks, Possibly Ducks Possibly 500 - 1000

This pendant, now at the Art Institute of Chicago, was made by the Coclé people from present-day Panama out of gold. The pendant depicts four double-headed figures, possibly ducks, each meticulously crafted. The use of gold is a visual marker of status in many cultures, indicating the pendant likely belonged to someone of high social standing within the Coclé society. Moreover, ducks may have had symbolic significance, perhaps representing fertility, adaptability, or a connection to water – vital for life and agriculture. To interpret this object, we must consider the social structures, belief systems, and environmental factors that influenced the Coclé people. Archaeological records, ethnographies, and studies of indigenous Panamanian cultures could shed light on the pendant's purpose. Understanding the pendant transcends mere aesthetic appreciation. It provides insights into the worldviews of the Coclé and the social and cultural dynamics that shaped their art.