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HOME :
Pre-Columbian Art :
Pre-Columbian Masterpieces : Gold Pendant of a Double-Headed Spider
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Gold Pendant of a Double-Headed Spider - FJ.6217
Origin: Costa Rican/Panamanian Border Area
Circa: 500
AD
to 1550
AD
Dimensions:
4" (10.2cm) high
x 4" (10.2cm) wide
Catalogue: V23
Collection: Pre-Columbian
Style: Pre-Columbian
Medium: Gold
Additional Information: 328 grams. Trudy, withdrawn
Location: Great Britain
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| Description |
This glorious gold spider is quite literally beyond
belief. Our eyes can hardly take it all in at once.
It's myriad complexities of design dazzles the
senses; just as its solid weight leaves us
awestruck. Who could have designed something
so monumental that can be held in the palm of
the hand? What amazing artist created an object
with such power and wealth of detail? A woven
cord encircles the spider and comes to rest just
touching the end, then quickly twists into dual
snakeheads. The double heads are fantastic
representations combining realistic and highly
imaginative aspects. Pincers curve from the
sides, and four more from the mouth; each done
with astonishing realism. Tiny appliquéd beads
on the snout give an added texture to the entire
object. The eyes are truly adorable, like small
bells, with slits down the center which makes
them appear to be in movement; scanning the
territory rapidly as spiders do. Ornamentation
consists of two S-shaped designs on the back,
repeated on the heads of the snakes. Both, they
and the two heads wear collars around their
necks consisting of two bands filled with a
checkerboard pattern. The fact that a rattle was
placed inside suggests this pendant may have
been intended for ritual ceremonies, and worn
with the intention of announcing ones approach.
A loop was attached on the underbelly for just
this purpose. However, it is abundantly obvious
that this pendant announces its presence loud
and clear with or without rattles. It is the
thunder and lightening, glittering as rain
sparkling on golden leaves, glorious as sunrise
over the sea. It is a miracle of subtle forms,
interweaving patterns and enigmatic designs
creating a true sculpture in gold that seems not
to have come from this earth....trudy
- (FJ.6217)
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