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2 human-like figures

The largely symmetrical object combines the attributes of different species (human, bird, lizard, snake). The central figure appears to represent an anthropo-zoomorphic twin. The torso and legs clearly indicate an anthropomorphic creature. The head, wings and feet, on the other hand, show bird-like characteristics. The protruding eyes, the half-open beak and the outstretched wings express a tense posture. The trapezoidal moulding can be interpreted as a double-headed reptile (snake?) due to its opposing applications. The central figures appear from a frontal perspective. The lateral motif, on the other hand, is depicted in side profile. Although the wing and moulding sections are very flat, they have no additional decoration. (Künne 2005)

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Data Provider
Ethnologisches Museum Show original at data provider

Cataloguing data

Object type
Gold-copper alloy figures as pendants
Dimensions
Weight: 39,8 g
Height: 5,8 cm
Depth: 1,9 cm
Width: 8,4 cm
Material/Technique
Alloy (copper), Alloy (gold)
Current location
Ethnologisches Museum, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin
Inventory number
IV Ca 32016

Provenance and sources

  • Production
    when
    700
    where
    Costa Rica
    San José
    Pérez Zeledón
    El General
    who
    Alice Mertens
  • Collecting
    who
    Felix Wiß - Former Possessors
  • Assignment to a curated holding:
    American Archaeology

Information about the record

Legal status metadata
CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED
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