Name: Diquis Gold Frog
Brand: Art for Eternity
SKU: 16527
Price: 17500.0 USD
Availability: InStock

$17,500.00

Shipping calculated at checkout.

Panama Circa 500 to 1520 AD

A Classic shape body, cast with large hind flippers, front feet each with loop hole and large head with bulbous eyes. From the mouth emanate two side facing saurian with grooved bodies and open zig zag form with spirals at front, conveying a mythological significance. Dimension: Size 9.2cm H x 9.2cm W.; 3-1/2 inches H x 3-1/2 inches W.; display stand included. 20k; weight 60g.

XRF analysis shows it's made of 19.8K gold (82.7% Au, 14.7% Ag, 2.56% Cu), which is consistent with Pre-Columbian metallurgy techniques.
The elemental composition report indicates:
High gold content (82.7%)
Silver content (14.7%)
Copper content (2.56%)
This composition suggests the use of natural alluvial gold, which commonly contained small amounts of silver and copper - a characteristic of Pre-Columbian metallurgy. The analysis was performed using modern spectrometry equipment (ElvaX).

The ornate piece features distinctive spiral motifs and zoomorphic elements characteristic of Diquis goldwork. The Panamanian peoples were known for their high-quality gold pieces with elaborate designs, particularly ornaments and ceremonial objects. They were renowned for producing some of the most sophisticated Pre-Columbian jewelry. The society was governed by shamanic elites who used such ornate pieces in rituals and as symbols of power. Their goldwork often featured realistic and fantastic human and animal-inspired ornaments, with spiritual leaders believing these pieces helped them channel supernatural forces.

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. A similar frog is also the Rockefeller Collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and on the cover of 'Sweat of the Sun and Tears of the Moon : Gold and Silver in Pre-Columbian Art' by Emmerich, Andre.

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.

We ship Tuesday to Friday with UPS or USPS and usually same day if your order is received before 2pm. Depending on size and destination, delivery times range from one to five business days.

For overseas shipments our shipping charge includes packing, preparation of all customs paperwork, insurance and carrier fees in compliance with all USA and International customs requirements.

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.

Diquis Gold Frog

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Diquis Gold Frog