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Pendant in the Form of a Spider

Arts of the Americas

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.
MEDIUM Gold
  • Place Made: Costa Rica
  • DATES 1000–1500
    DIMENSIONS 3 3/4 x 3 1/8 in. (9.5 x 8 cm)  (show scale)
    COLLECTIONS Arts of the Americas
    ACCESSION NUMBER 35.234
    CREDIT LINE Alfred W. Jenkins Fund
    CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Gold pendant in the form of a spider with a large bell as the spider's abdomen. The spider appears to hold a double-headed snake. The bell is decorated with two animal heads and what might be a flower with three petals. Condition: good.
    EXHIBITIONS
    MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view
    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. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 35.234_PS1.jpg)
    IMAGE overall, 35.234_PS1.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2006
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    RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY
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