Pendant 8th-15th century

This pendant was created by the Ngäbe or Guaymí people, and is made entirely from gold. Notice how the properties of the metal have determined the appearance of this tiny sculpture. Gold is extremely malleable, and you can see the intricate details that the artist was able to achieve: the spiraling curls of hair, the bandolier slung across the figure's torso, and the ornate anklets. The metal was likely shaped using the lost wax casting method, a labor intensive process involving a wax model that is then encased in clay, melted out, and replaced with molten metal. Gold has long been associated with power and prestige, and was certainly a valuable commodity at the time this pendant was made. But it is also important to remember the human cost of extracting this precious material from the earth. By considering the making of this object, we can better appreciate both its artistry and its complex social context.