Pendant 9th-15th century

This gold pendant was created by the Veraguas people of present-day Panama. Often, we think of gold as purely monetary, but for the Veraguas, gold was deeply symbolic, embodying spiritual power and social status. Consider the figure itself—an anthropomorphic being, a blend of human and animal traits, framed within a circular form. This fusion speaks to the Veraguas worldview, where the boundaries between humans, animals, and the spiritual realm were fluid. The figure's prominent display of genitalia challenges Western art's frequent suppression of the body. It suggests a culture with different notions of sexuality and identity. As you gaze upon this pendant, reflect on its significance beyond its material worth. What does it tell us about the values, beliefs, and social structures of the Veraguas people, and how does it challenge our own assumptions about art and culture?