Showing items held at 13 different institutions.
Showing items held at 13 different institutions.
The item search helps you look through the thousands of items on the RRN and find exactly what you’re after. We’ve split the search into two parts, Results, and Search Filters. You’re in the results section right now. You can still perform “Quick searches” from the menu bar, but if you’re new to the RRN, click the Search tab above and use the exploratory search.
View TutorialLog In to see more items.
Gift of Alastair B. Martin
Gift of Adelaide Goan
Gift of Arturo and Paul Peralta-Ramos
Gift of Adelaide Goan
Museum Expedition 1938, Dick S. Ramsay Fund
Museum Expedition 1903, Museum Collection Fund
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.
Museum Expedition 1904, Museum Collection Fund