Pendant in the Form of a Frog Possibly 1000 - 1500

This pendant, now at the Art Institute of Chicago, was created by the Veraguas people out of gold. Frogs held great significance in the Isthmus of Panama and other parts of Central and South America. They were viewed as symbols of transformation and renewal, as well as guardians of the natural world, their connection to water and land making them potent figures in religious and spiritual beliefs. The shimmering gold signifies the wealth and power associated with the elite. Pendants like these were not mere decorations but embodied social standing. Understanding the artistic practices and the cultural context from which this pendant came involves a deep dive into archaeological records, indigenous accounts, and ethnographical studies. By understanding the culture that produced it, we can appreciate this pendant, not just as an object of beauty, but as a window into a complex society.