Work of Art

Figural Pendant

Created

circa 750–1550

Artist

Nationality

Costa Rican (Diquis region and Chiriqui culture)

Birth/Death

Dimensions

2 x 1 3/4 inches (5.1 x 4.4 centimeters)

Medium

Cast gold, gilded metal

Credit

Gift of Dr. Clifton F. Mountain and Mrs. Marilyn T. Mountain

Object Number

96.4.79

Culture

Classification

Metal

Department

Ancient American

Key Ideas

This gold pendant was cast from a mold. It uses simplified shapes to depict an eagle in flight. Its wings and tail are spread wide and its talons are clenched as if it is preparing to attack. The eagle wears a headdress with a double-headed serpent.
Animals were used to depict divine beings in Mesoamerica and Central America and had ritual significance. They often represented the supernatural beings of the natural world.
The eagle may wear the serpent headdress to suggest the stages of transformation of a shaman, a person with access to supernatural powers or the spirit world, during ceremonial rituals.

Learn More

This pendant was worn as an emblem of prestige and power. It portrays an eagle that spreads its wings and extends its talons in an attack pose. Note the double-headed serpent emerging from the eagle’s head. Images such as these are thought to depict various stages of the transformation of a shaman, a religious practitioner with magical powers.

tags: fashion, ritual, power, meaning, symbolism, function

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