Photo of collection object Pendant
Coclé. Pendant, 1050-1500 CE. Gold, resin, shell, 4 3/8 x 4 3/4 x 1 3/8 in. (11.1 x 12.1 x 3.5 cm). By exchange, 64.33.1. Creative Commons-BY.

Pendant

1050-1500 CE

Coclé

Arts of the Americas

These composite crocodilian-bat figures represent “hunter-heroes.” They carry macanas, or sword-clubs made of shell, and atlatls, or spear throwers. Their tusk-shaped bodies are made of copal, a type of resin, which may have replaced the original bone tusks used in the ornament. This pendant was most likely worn during battle or ceremonial events to demonstrate the strength and power of the wearer.


Estas figuras compuestas cocodrilo-murciélago representan “cazadores-héroes.” Ellos llevan macanas, o garrotes-espada hechos de concha, y atlatls, o propulsores de lanzas. Sus cuerpos en forma de colmillo están hechos de copal, un tipo de resina, la cual puede haber reemplazado a los colmillos de hueso originales utilizados en el ornamento.
Maker/Artist
Coclé
Classification
Ornament
Formatted Medium
Gold, resin, shell
Medium
gold, resin, shell
Dimensions
4 3/8 x 4 3/4 x 1 3/8 in. (11.1 x 12.1 x 3.5 cm)
Accession Number
64.33.1
Credit Line
By exchange
Rights Statement
Creative Commons-BY
Dominant Colors

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