Eagle Pendant
Avian pendants cast in gold, called águilas (eagles) by the invading Spanish, were symbols of mythological power in the region now known as Veraguas, Panama. Leaders in the Caribbean region widely exchanged such pendants and wore them to emulate the natural prowess of birds of prey. The supernatural birds have fanciful, hybrid features— such as neck ornaments, elaborate crests, and other protuberances—that complicate the identification of a recognizable species. The sound effects made by the pendants were important: some birds have bells for eyes, while others have bell chambers for bodies. In ceremonies the audience could have heard a ruler before they saw him or her.
Artwork Details
- Title: Eagle Pendant
- Date: 11th–16th century
- Geography: Panama
- Culture: Veraguas
- Medium: Gold
- Dimensions: H. 5 1/2 × W. 6 3/4 × D. 1/8 in. (14 × 17.1 × 0.3 cm)
- Classification: Metal-Ornaments
- Credit Line: Jan Mitchell and Sons Collection, Gift of Jan Mitchell, 1991
- Object Number: 1991.419.8
- Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing
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Greater Chiriquí
900–1520 CE
Greater Chiriquí
900–1520 CE
Initial Style artist(s)
1–500 CE
Chiriquí artist(s)
700–1550 CE
Chiriquí artist(s)
700–1550 CE
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