Name: Chiriqui Gold Shaman in Transformation
Brand: Art for Eternity
SKU: 16519
Price: 7500.0 USD
Availability: InStock

$7,500.00

Shipping calculated at checkout.

Panama Circa 500 to 1520 AD

The composite male deity with animal (Crocodile or Jaguar) head with large snout like mouth with fanged toothy grin in jaws, standing with arms out at sizes and wearing a crescent headdress with c-form wings and resting on a parallel bar base, loop hole behind.

Size 8.4 cm H x 7 cm W. 3-1/4 x 2-3/4 inches W.; 14K gold alloy; weight 62g.

Based on xrf analysis this is an authentic artifact, specifically a piece made of tumbaga (a gold-copper alloy). The elemental analysis shows it contains:
55.41% gold (Au)
3.11% silver (Ag)
41.45% copper (Cu)
This composition is consistent with Pre-Columbian metallurgy, where artisans deliberately manipulated gold-copper alloys called tumbaga to create ceremonial and religious objects. The figure's stylistic elements - with its anthropomorphic form and fantastical design - are characteristic of Pre-Columbian goldwork, which often depicted mythical creatures and human forms.
The piece appears to be 13.2K gold, which matches the calculated karat value based on its gold content. The high copper content (41.45%) is typical of tumbaga alloys, which allowed for more detailed casting due to their lower melting point.
Pre-Columbian gold objects like this were primarily created for ritual and ceremonial purposes rather than utilitarian use. They served as expressions of social status, political power, and religious beliefs in ancient American societies

Provenance: From the estate of Andres Illies, who inherited it from his grandfather, Ferdinand Grebien. Mr. Ferdinand Grebien was born in Austria, and arrived in Panama in 1911 to work on the construction of the canal. He founded Grebien & Martinz, a major private construction firm, (with more than 1000 employees) that went on to build many major institutions in Panama, including the Municipal Palace of the District of Colón. Grebien was an avid collector of ancient Pre Columbian gold. Shown in the listing is a photo of Ferdinand Grebien displaying part of his gold collection at the 1964 World’s fair in NY.

All pieces are unconditionally guaranteed authentic and as described in perpetuity and have been legally acquired and imported in full accordance with U.S. and applicable foreign regulations regarding the movement and sale of antiquities.

A signed guarantee of authenticity with a description and photograph of the item(s) accompanies this object.

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Overseas shipments are usually sent by courier but contact us if you have a shipping preference. International customers are responsible for all duties and taxes.

Chiriqui Gold Shaman in Transformation

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Chiriqui Gold Shaman in Transformation