Diquís Gold Avian-Headed Pendant with Prey, circa AD 800 - 1500

Acquired by the present owner's father prior to 1950 

A beautifully ornate example of Diquís pendants, it portrays the dramatic flight of the avian-shaman in his capture of prey. The central robust figure is framed at the top and bottom by two thick, plain bands, which are in contrast with the detailed human body with  avian head and wings. While it is difficult to definitively identify the type of bird represented, its strong, long beak, distinctive culmen, and protruding eyes ( once containing rattles) are very reminiscent of either the Costa Rican toucan or the white-necked puffbird. Both birds are predatory, a characteristic that has been represented here in a lively manner. Clutched within the birds's beak wrestles a curly-tailed animal, perhaps a spider monkey, its feet resting on the figure's chest and hands upraised to the raptors head. 
The avian wings are outstretched and decorated along the edges with repousse details. Profile open-work crocodile heads composed of multiple spiral motifs emerge from the sides of the head and ankles, signifying spiritual power. As is typical of these pendants, the human body wears tight bands at the ankles and knees, as well as a belt at the waist. The fantastical creature represented here may represent a costumed human, a deity, or a shaman in the process of transforming from human to a bird. 

For a close comparison, see Andre Emmerich, Sweat of the Sun and Tears of the Moon, Gold and Silver in Pre-Columbian Art, Seattle, 1965, p. 104, fig. 130.