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two human-like figures

The largely symmetrical object combines the attributes of different species (human, lizard, bat, snake). It appears to depict a bimorphic male twin. The body structure and posture refer to anthropomorphic characteristics. The design of the heads, on the other hand, indicates lizard- and bat-like characteristics. The wide mouths of the twin creatures correspond to the zoomorphic stone sculptures of the Palmar group (1550-1000d.C.). The bellies of the bimorph figures are slightly swollen. The deep metal moulding can be understood as a double-headed reptile due to its opposing applications. Despite its large surface area, the trapezoidal panel has no applied decoration. While the central figures appear in frontal perspective, the lateral motif was depicted in side profile. All the figures appear highly agitated. The incomplete reworking of the pendant seems to indicate that it was originally used as a burial gift. (Künne 2005)

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Data Provider
Ethnologisches Museum
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Cataloguing data

Object type
Figures as pendants
Dimensions
Objektmaß: 8,3 x 9,55 x 2,45 cm
Gewicht: 87,4 g
Material/Technique
Alloy (copper), Alloy (gold)
Current location
Ethnologisches Museum, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin
Inventory number
IV Ca 32015

Provenance and sources

when
700
where
Costa Rica
San José [Provinz]
Pérez Zeledón [Kanton]
El General
who
Alice Mertens

who
Felix Wiß - Former Possessors

Description
Donation from Felix Wiß 1909

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