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Coclé/Azuero Gold Pendant 2-Headed Snake Biting

Currency:USD Category:Art Start Price:4,500.00 USD Estimated At:18,000.00 - 24,000.00 USD
Coclé/Azuero Gold Pendant 2-Headed Snake Biting
<B>Figure Biting Double-Headed Snake-Bodied Creature</B></I><BR>Coclé Province or Azuero Peninsula<BR>A.D. 650 - 1520<BR>Gold, Weight 133.2 grams<BR>Height 4 ¼ in. Width 2 ¾ in.<BR><BR>This figure was worn as a pendant suspended from the two loops at the back flanking the neck. With knees slightly bent, arms bent at the elbows, and hands clenched, the figure bites the ribbon-like body of a double-headed monster. The monster's heads are crested crocodiles with up-turned muzzles and serrated teeth in gaping jaws. Triangular shapes representing crocodile scutes outline the heads and front legs of the monsters. These triangular shapes and snout curls are repeated as an elongated headdress for the figure and also as projections from his waist along his legs to his feet, in all cases further enforcing the crocodilian presence. The figure wears a short kilt and a collar that suggests beading. There are nine concave cup-shaped forms on the body, including one representing the nose, that were probably inlaid with colored stones to further enhance the power of this piece. The condition is very good.<BR><BR>Provenance<BR>Charles Craig, Santa Barbara<BR><BR>