Collection
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Arts of the Americas

Pendant in the Form of a Spider

Possibly Chiriquí

1 of 3

Object Label

In Costa Rica gold animal pendants were often worn by and buried with elite members of Chiriquí society. The eagle’s broad tail and outstretched wings may symbolize the animal’s ability to soar high into the sky and enter the supernatural realm. The spider’s legs end in human hands, which hold a double-headed snake. The abdomen, adorned with a bird and two crocodilian heads, is a bell that would have made a tinkling sound as the wearer moved. Depictions of predatory animals would have inspired awe and respect and provided the wearer with power and protection.

Caption

Possibly Chiriquí. Pendant in the Form of a Spider, 1000–1500. Gold, 3 3/4 x 3 1/8 in. (9.5 x 8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Alfred W. Jenkins Fund, 35.234. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)

Gallery

Not on view

Title

Pendant in the Form of a Spider

Date

1000–1500

Geography

Place made: Costa Rica

Medium

Gold

Classification

Ornament

Dimensions

3 3/4 x 3 1/8 in. (9.5 x 8 cm)

Credit Line

Alfred W. Jenkins Fund

Accession Number

35.234

Frequent Art Questions

  • What carat gold are these?

    I don't believe that we have had them tested. Some of the objects such as the Lime Container are actually gold alloys, while others such as the spider are just listed as gold.

  • What's this spider pendant about?

    This pendant was made about 1000—1500 CE in Costa Rica. This golden adornment, worn by warriors, is believed to send messages about the wearer's prowess and supernatural potency. Pendants with bells, like this, were often cast in the shape of animals. The spider, a creature that bites, is shown grasping onto a double-headed snake, a creature that may represent danger.

  • Who would the pendant be given too?

    This would have been worn by a man with high status in Chiriquí society. Gold was tied to the male principle and represented the sun. The animals represented on the pendants, like this spider, were intended to convey messages about the person who wore it. In this case, the owner's power and supernatural potency. Fierce animals are believed to be associated with warriors.
    If you look closely, the spider is grasping a double-headed snake, which might represent triumph in the face of danger.

Have information?

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bkmcollections@brooklynmuseum.org.

Artists and makers

Chiriquí

5 works in the collection