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Frog pendant

700–1550 CE
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 360
Frogs are frequently depicted in the goldwork of Costa Rica and Panama. In this tropical region numerous species abound, from tiny terrestrial varieties to giant tree frogs, some with poisonous skins and some vibrantly colored. A tree frog may be depicted here, with its long thin legs projecting from its body. Bifurcated tongues, a pervasive serpent symbol, emerge from either side of the mouth and are stylized as split scrolls. Chiriquí-style objects come from both sides of the Costa Rica–Panama border. This example is said to have come from Puerto González Víquez, located in the far south of Costa Rica.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Frog pendant
  • Artist: Chiriquí artist(s)
  • Date: 700–1550 CE
  • Geography: Costa Rica
  • Culture: Chiriquí
  • Medium: Gold
  • Dimensions: H. 4 1/8 × W. 4 × D. 1 in. (10.5 × 10.2 × 2.5 cm)
  • Classification: Metal-Ornaments
  • Credit Line: Jan Mitchell and Sons Collection, Gift of Jan Mitchell, 1991
  • Object Number: 1991.419.1
  • Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing

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