Chiriqui Gold Alloy Figural Pendant

Panamanian Circa 500 to 1000 AD.  

Cast standing male figure with tube to mouth from one hand, the other held out, spiral ear ornaments and suspension hole atop.  12.2 karat
Size 3.4cm H.; 1-3/8 inches H.;  ; weight 6g.

The anthropomorphic design of the pendant is characteristic of pre-Columbian ornamental metalwork. Such objects were typically created for religious and ceremonial purposes, as pre-Columbian cultures considered gold a sacred metal.

XRF by Manhattan Gold & Silver Inc., shows characteristics consistent with pre-Columbian metallurgy. The elemental analysis reveals a composition of:
Gold (Au): 51.04%
Silver (Ag): 16.45%
Copper (Cu): 32.51%
This composition indicates this is tumbaga, a pre-Columbian alloy specifically made from gold and copper. The proportions align with known tumbaga artifacts, which could vary widely in their gold-to-copper ratios.
The piece appears to be 12.2K gold, which matches the elemental percentages shown. The figurine shows characteristics of pre-Columbian metalworking techniques, particularly lost-wax casting, evidenced by the detailed three-dimensional form. Depletion gilding potential, noted in the analysis report.

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.