Pendant 12th - 13th century

This pendant, crafted from gold by the Veraguas people, presents a study in contrasts and symbolic weight. The composition is immediately striking. A horizontal, roughly textured bar sits atop a series of dangling elements—flattened, shaped pieces and what appear to be stylized animal teeth or horns. The gold, with its inherent sheen, draws the eye, yet the pendant's design complicates any simple reading of wealth or status. The teeth, hanging almost like charms, suggest a deeper connection to nature, power and perhaps the hunt. Consider the duality at play: the crude and the refined, the earthly and the precious. These are not merely decorative choices; they reflect a worldview where symbolic expression matters more than mere opulence. The pendant challenges us to consider how value is assigned, not just to materials, but to the ideas and beliefs they represent.