Breast Plaque c. 800 - 1400

This striking breast plaque was made by the Veraguas people of what is now Panama, though its precise date remains unknown. It's fashioned from gold, a material prized across cultures for its beauty and perceived connection to power. Consider what it meant to adorn oneself with such an object in Veraguas society. The gleaming gold would have signaled status, wealth, and perhaps even divine favor. The three-part design might relate to cosmological beliefs or social structures that were important to the culture. Given its purpose as a breastplate, its significance could also be tied to ideas about the body. Who was able to wear it? What special occasions called for it? Understanding this object requires going beyond its visual appeal. By studying archeological reports, historical accounts, and ethnographic research, we can learn more about the social and political structures that gave this breast plaque its full meaning.