Coclé embossed repoussé gold pectoral disc, Panama ca. 500–1500 AD, front view
Coclé gold pectoral disc, Panama, view 2
Pre-Columbian gold collection, Panama and Costa Rica, group photograph
Coclé gold pectoral disc, Panama, view 4
Coclé gold pectoral disc, Panama, view 5
Coclé gold pectoral disc, Panama, view 6
Coclé gold pectoral disc, Panama, view 7
Coclé gold pectoral disc, Panama, view 8
Coclé gold pectoral disc, Panama, view 9
Coclé embossed repoussé gold pectoral disc, Panama ca. 500–1500 AD, front view
Coclé gold pectoral disc, Panama, view 2
Pre-Columbian gold collection, Panama and Costa Rica, group photograph
Coclé gold pectoral disc, Panama, view 4
Coclé gold pectoral disc, Panama, view 5
Coclé gold pectoral disc, Panama, view 6
Coclé gold pectoral disc, Panama, view 7
Coclé gold pectoral disc, Panama, view 8
Coclé gold pectoral disc, Panama, view 9
Coclé embossed repoussé gold pectoral disc, Panama ca. 500–1500 AD, front view
Coclé embossed repoussé gold pectoral disc, Panama ca. 500–1500 AD, front view Coclé gold pectoral disc, Panama, view 2 Pre-Columbian gold collection, Panama and Costa Rica, group photograph Coclé gold pectoral disc, Panama, view 4 Coclé gold pectoral disc, Panama, view 5 Coclé gold pectoral disc, Panama, view 6 Coclé gold pectoral disc, Panama, view 7 Coclé gold pectoral disc, Panama, view 8 Coclé gold pectoral disc, Panama, view 9

Cocle Circular Embossed & Repousse Gold Disc

16531

$13,250.00
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Panama Ca. 500 to 1500 AD.  

Hammered and beaten to a circular disc, the perimeter decorated with two rows of punched beadwork, the center with raised central mound and four radiating groups of stippled clusters; pierced two times for suspension. The pectoral disc was  worn as a breast jewelry as a high status symbol. 

Dimension: Size 11cm Diam.; 4-1/2 inches Diam;  22k weight  55g. 

Based on the XRF we have a high-purity pre-Columbian artifact, showing characteristic features of ancient American metalwork. The elemental analysis reveals it is 21.3K gold with:
88.85% Gold (Au)
5.52% Silver (Ag)
5.63% Iron (Fe)
The piece exhibits sophisticated pre-Columbian metalworking techniques, including:
Fine granulation patterns arranged in radiating triangular sections, a central raised dome; a hammered and textured surface treatment with a decorative beaded border around the perimeter.
The high gold content and minimal alloying suggests this was likely a ceremonial or high-status object, as precious metals were primarily used for religious and elite items in pre-Columbian societies. The circular form and radial design may have had astronomical or calendrical significance, which was common in pre-Columbian art.
The piece shows signs of being worked using traditional pre-Columbian metalworking methods like annealing (repeated heating and hammering) to achieve the detailed surface textures and raised elements. The granulation technique displayed here required considerable skill and mastery of temperature control during fabrication.

Provenance: From the estate of Christian Illies (1947-2014), Opelika, Alabama who inherited the collection from his grandfather, Ferdinand Grebien (1877-1976).  Christian Illies’ grandfather, Ferdinand Grebien was born in Austria in 1887 and arrived in Panama in 1911 to work on the construction of the canal. In Colon 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 Colon. Grebien was an avid lifelong collector of ancient Panamanian gold. We illustrate a black and white photo of Ferdinand Grebien displaying part of his gold collection at the 1964 World’s fair in NY.

Every object is guaranteed authentic and as described, and has been legally acquired and imported in accordance with U.S. and applicable foreign regulations on the movement and sale of antiquities. A signed certificate of authenticity with a description and photograph accompanies this object. Any restoration is described on the invoice.

Free insured shipping within the United States on most pieces; oversized works are quoted at checkout. We pack and ship ourselves, usually within two business days. International shipping by USPS or DHL is calculated at checkout; if your country is not listed, write to us. Customs forms state the full value; international buyers are responsible for duties and taxes.

Any object may be returned within 14 days of receipt for a refund or credit. Contact us first. See Buying from Us.

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