While we do not know the significance of the figures on these gold pendants, the mixture of human and animal attributes suggests a mythical and supernatural universe. The ornaments were worn on necklaces, perhaps by political and religious leaders who recognized and valued their symbolism. The representations of anthropomorphic animals may allude to the transformative powers of shamans or their spirit helpers as they journey to supernatural realms.


Aunque no conocemos el significado de las figuras en estos pendientes de oro, la mezcla de atributos humanos y animales sugiere un universo mítico y sobrenatural. Los ornamentos eran llevados en collares, quizás por líderes políticos y religiosos que reconocían y valoraban su simbolismo. Las representaciones de animales antropomórficos pueden aludir a los poderes transformadores de los chamanes o de sus ayudantes espirituales en sus viajes a los reinos sobrenaturales.

Gift of Ernest Erickson

Gift of the Ernest Erickson Foundation, Inc.

Ivory shaman's charm carved in the form of an animal with large head. Attenuated body with 4 feet doubled beneath and a long tail. A hole for suspension pierces the object from top to bottom at the neck. CONDITION: Ivory cracked and stained in several places.

Gift of Jonathan, Peter, and Timothy Zorach

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Fay

Gift of Robert L. Niles

By exchange

Gift of the Ernest Erickson Foundation, Inc.

Brooklyn Museum Collection