Chiriqui Figural Gold Alloy Pendant

Panama Ca. 600 to 1200 AD.  

A cast nude figure with arms held at sides and feather headdress, signifying a high rank. He is further adorned with leg bands; a  loop hole for suspension behind compromised. Size 4.1 cm H.; 1-3/4 inches H.; 12k tumbaga alloy; weight  11g.

The artifact is classified as 11.9K gold with the following XRF elemental composition:
Gold (Au): 49.76 ± 0.17%
Silver (Ag): 18.65 ± 0.10%
Copper (Cu): 31.29 ± 0.15%
Iron (Fe): 0.20 ± 0.06%

This composition strongly suggests a tumbaga alloy, which was commonly used in pre-Columbian metallurgy. Tumbaga was an intentional alloy of gold and copper, sometimes including silver, that was widely used throughout ancient Mesoamerica and South America.  The presence of all three primary metals (gold, silver, and copper) in these proportions is characteristic of pre-Columbian metallurgy, where artisans deliberately manipulated these components to achieve specific colors and properties7. The low iron content (0.20%) is consistent with naturally occurring trace elements in pre-Columbian metals.  The figure appears to be cast, likely using the lost-wax method, which was a common technique in pre-Columbian metalworking, particularly in Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, and Mexico. The surface finish and detail suggest sophisticated metalworking techniques that were mastered by pre-Columbian artisans, including possible surface enrichment through depletion gilding
  
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.