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Pre-Columbian Art :
Pre-Columbian Masterpieces : Gold Pectoral of a Turtle Surrounded by a Ring Featuring Eight Small Turtles
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Gold Pectoral of a Turtle Surrounded by a Ring Featuring Eight Small Turtles - FJ.6245
Origin: Costa Rican/Panamanian Border Area
Circa: 500
AD
to 1550
AD
Dimensions:
4.5" (11.4cm) high
x 4.25" (10.8cm) wide
Catalogue: V23
Collection: Pre-Columbian
Style: Pre-Columbian
Medium: Gold
Additional Information: 198 grams Trudy,withdrawn
Location: Great Britain
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| Description |
The main body of this pectoral is a very beautiful
turtle. On its back is a simple and effective
pattern comprising three slim bands which come
down at an angle, then quickly twist into a neat
circle, before shooting upwards to join a thick
band at the center. This incised band continues
straight to near the end, then curls in opposite
directions. Appliqued beads line the upper
portion of the shell, giving added texture. The
turtle's head is very precisely delineated, with its
mouth open exposing rows of teeth. Its eyes are
wide open and alert; its nose has tiny pinprick
holes for nostrils. On the outside ring there are
eight small turtles, each one with their own
attributes. They rest on a complex network of
interlacing double strands surmounted by a
series of small trapezoidal shapes. The little
turtles seem as if they are sitting on lily pads or
aquatic vegetation, surrounding their mother
who holds onto their "flotation" with all her
flippers. This pectoral was probably made for an
important chief or shaman, (often one and the
same), who wore it during ritual ceremonies. The
rattle inside would jangle when moved,
announcing the person's approach. Whether for
ritual use or ornamentation, the appeal of this
turtle is universal and instantaneous. It shines
with a luminosity beyond the raw gold, lustrous
and lovely as only a superb work of art can
be.....trudy
- (FJ.6245)
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