Collection
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Arts of the Americas

Pendant with Two Crocodile Gods

Coclé

1 of 5

Object Label

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.

Caption

Coclé. Pendant with Two Crocodile Gods, 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). Brooklyn Museum, By exchange, 64.33.1. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)

Gallery

Not on view

Culture

Coclé

Title

Pendant with Two Crocodile Gods

Date

1050–1500 CE

Medium

Gold, resin, shell

Classification

Ornament

Dimensions

4 3/8 x 4 3/4 x 1 3/8 in. (11.1 x 12.1 x 3.5 cm)

Credit Line

By exchange

Accession Number

64.33.1

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Artists and makers

Coclé

22 works in the collection