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2 human-like figures with rattling plates

The largely symmetrical object combines the attributes of different species (human, bat, lizard). It appears to depict a bimorphic male twin. The body structure and posture point to anthropomorphic characteristics. The design of the heads, on the other hand, indicates zoomorphic characteristics. Despite their large surface area, the high and low metal mouldings have neither zoomorphic applications nor applied decorations. Due to the deep, triangular recess, the head plate can be interpreted as a feather ornament. This interpretation is supported by a horizontal double bead that runs above the foreheads of the two twin figures. The base plate possibly represents two conical mounds or two mountains on which the bimorph figures stand. Their broad mouths correspond to the zoomorphic stone sculptures of the Palmar group (1550-1000d.C.). The suspended sound discs completely conceal the twin figures depicted. It is only visible when the object is hung horizontally. The incomplete reworking of the pendant seems to indicate its original use as a burial object. (Künne 2005)

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Data Provider
Ethnologisches Museum
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Cataloguing data

Object type
Figures as pendants
Dimensions
Gewicht: 193,4 g
Objektmaß: 8,6 x 8,5 x 4 cm
Material/Technique
Alloy (copper), Alloy (gold)
Current location
Ethnologisches Museum, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin
Inventory number
IV Ca 32019

Provenance and sources

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

who
Felix Wiß - Former Possessors

Description
Donation from Felix Wiß 1909

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