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Embossed gold pectoral

Coclé
A.D. 700–1520
Place of Origin: Sitio Conte area, Coclé Province, Panama

Medium/Technique Gold
Dimensions 7 x 7 cm (2 3/4 x 2 3/4 in.)
Credit Line Museum purchase with funds donated by Landon T. Clay
Accession Number1971.1030
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsJewelry, Americas
ClassificationsJewelry / AdornmentPectorals

DescriptionGold disk embossed with a bilaterally symmetical motif that may represent a human head wearing a duck-billed, bucal mask. Two perforations in the center of the disk allow for attachment to clothing or other body adornment.
ProvenanceAfter about 1930, excavated in the Sitio Conte area, Coclé Province, Panama. Between about 1950 and 1955, acquired from a private collection, San Jose, Costa Rica by Paul Pasher and, about 1955, entrusted by him to Manuel Miranda Pinto, San Salvador, El Salvador; April 1970, returned by Manuel Miranda Pinto to Paul Pasher, New York; 1970, sold by Paul Pasher to the Edward H. Merrin Gallery, New York; 1971, sold by Merrin Gallery to the MFA. (Accession Date: December 8, 1971)

NOTE: Before acquiring Paul Pasher's collection of Panamanian gold (accession nos. 1971.783-1971.1129 and 1972.940-1972.944) the MFA contacted the National Commission on Historical Archaeology and Monuments, Panama; the president of the Commission responded that no objections were raised to the acquisition.