Detail View: The AMICA Library: Frog Pendant

AMICA ID: 
MMA_.1991.419.1
AMICA Library Year: 
2000
Object Type: 
Costume and Jewelry
Creator Nationality: 
North American; Central American; Costa Rican
Creator Name-CRT: 
Costa Rica, Puntarenas Province
Title: 
Frog Pendant
View: 
Full View
Creation Date: 
11th-16th century
Creation Start Date: 
1000
Creation End Date: 
1599
Materials and Techniques: 
Cast gold
Classification Term: 
Metalwork, Ornament
Dimensions: 
H. 4 1/8 in. (10.5 cm)
AMICA Contributor: 
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Owner Location: 
New York, New York, USA
ID Number: 
1991.419.1
Credit Line: 
Jan Mitchell and Sons Collection, Gift of Jan Mitchell, 1991
Rights: 
Context: 

Frogs are frequently depicted in the goldwork of Costa Rica and Panama. In this tropical region numerous species abound, from tiny terrestrial varieties to giant tree frogs, some with poisonous skins and some vibrantly colored. A tree frog may be depicted here, with its long thin legs projecting from its body. Bifurcated tongues, a pervasive serpent symbol, emerge from either side of the mouth and are stylized as split scrolls. Chiriquí-style objects come from both sides of the Costa Rica-Panama border. This example is said to have come from Puerto González Víquez, located in the far south of Costa Rica.

Related Image Identifier Link: 
MMA_.ao1991.419.1.R.tif