Frog Pendant

Unknown

11th–16th century · Gold · Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas

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.

Artist

Unknown

Date

11th–16th century

Medium

Gold

Culture

Chiriquí

Department

Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas

Credit line

Jan Mitchell and Sons Collection, Gift of Jan Mitchell, 1991