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Pendant with Two Crocodile Gods

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.
CULTURE Coclé
MEDIUM Gold, resin, shell
DATES 1050-1500 CE
DIMENSIONS 4 3/8 x 4 3/4 x 1 3/8 in. (11.1 x 12.1 x 3.5 cm)  (show scale)
COLLECTIONS Arts of the Americas
ACCESSION NUMBER 64.33.1
CREDIT LINE By exchange
MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view
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. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.64.33.1_overall.jpg)
IMAGE overall, CUR.64.33.1_overall.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2023
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RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY
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