Diquís cast gold frog pendant, Costa Rica ca. 500–1520 AD, front view
Diquís gold frog pendant, Costa Rica, view 2
Diquís gold frog pendant, Costa Rica, view 3
Diquís gold frog pendant, Costa Rica, view 4
Diquís gold frog pendant, Costa Rica, view 5
Diquís gold frog pendant, Costa Rica, view 6
Diquís gold frog pendant, Costa Rica, view 7
Diquís gold frog pendant, Costa Rica, view 8
Diquís gold frog pendant, Costa Rica, view 9
Diquís gold frog pendant, Costa Rica, view 10
Pre-Columbian gold collection, Panama and Costa Rica, group photograph
Diquís gold frog pendant, Costa Rica, view 12
Diquís gold frog pendant, Costa Rica, view 13
Diquís cast gold frog pendant, Costa Rica ca. 500–1520 AD, front view
Diquís gold frog pendant, Costa Rica, view 2
Diquís gold frog pendant, Costa Rica, view 3
Diquís gold frog pendant, Costa Rica, view 4
Diquís gold frog pendant, Costa Rica, view 5
Diquís gold frog pendant, Costa Rica, view 6
Diquís gold frog pendant, Costa Rica, view 7
Diquís gold frog pendant, Costa Rica, view 8
Diquís gold frog pendant, Costa Rica, view 9
Diquís gold frog pendant, Costa Rica, view 10
Pre-Columbian gold collection, Panama and Costa Rica, group photograph
Diquís gold frog pendant, Costa Rica, view 12
Diquís gold frog pendant, Costa Rica, view 13
Diquís cast gold frog pendant, Costa Rica ca. 500–1520 AD, front view
Diquís cast gold frog pendant, Costa Rica ca. 500–1520 AD, front view Diquís gold frog pendant, Costa Rica, view 2 Diquís gold frog pendant, Costa Rica, view 3 Diquís gold frog pendant, Costa Rica, view 4 Diquís gold frog pendant, Costa Rica, view 5 Diquís gold frog pendant, Costa Rica, view 6 Diquís gold frog pendant, Costa Rica, view 7 Diquís gold frog pendant, Costa Rica, view 8 Diquís gold frog pendant, Costa Rica, view 9 Diquís gold frog pendant, Costa Rica, view 10 Pre-Columbian gold collection, Panama and Costa Rica, group photograph Diquís gold frog pendant, Costa Rica, view 12 Diquís gold frog pendant, Costa Rica, view 13

Diquis Gold Frog Pendant

16527

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Costa Rica (Diquís region, Sierpe/Térraba delta), 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 Diquís peoples of southern Costa Rica 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 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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