Chest Ornament in the Form of Two Joined Fish, 500-1550 CE
probably Diquis culture; Costa Rica…

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Chest Ornament

ClassificationsClothing and Adornments-chest ornaments

Date550-1550 CE

Made AtCosta Rica, Central America, North America

MediumGold

Dimensions5 1/2 × 4 3/4 in. (14 × 12.1 cm)

Credit LineGift of Mr. James Gruhn

Object number2002.3.31

DescriptionLarge pectoral with joined whales or fish. Costa Rica. The central composition is that of two joined fish or whales with frontal and hind fins that also suggest arms and legs. The unusual shamanic nature of the beasts is also indicated by the positioning and number of the dorsal fins. Each has one atop the head and at the tail end of each creature. The body of each creature is hollow and contains pellets that serve as rattles. There are three triangular cut-outs on the underside of each creature. The creatures are framed and connected to a perimeter structure containing a series of twelve double scrolls.

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