Breast Plaque c. 800 - 1400

This circular gold "Breast Plaque" was crafted by the Veraguas people in Panama between 800 and 1400 AD. The plaque is decorated with three raised, circular, conical shapes, which may have had ceremonial or ritualistic significance in Veraguas culture. The plaque has two small holes at the top, suggesting that it may have been suspended or worn as part of a larger ornament. Today, this exquisite piece is housed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art.