Veraguas Gold Turtle Pendant, circa AD 800 - 1500

Acquired by the present owner's father prior to 1950 

The carapace of this finely cast pendant forms a rattle by the tiny cast balls within the hollow body. Larger pendants that were formed as rattles are distinctive to Veraguas goldwork, with turtles often chosen.  As visible in this elegantly cast piece, a tongue covers a large opening in the back, keeping the pebble in place. The animal's long, curved beak grasps a small animal, perhaps a frog. Its feet, splayed out to the side, are decorated with an ornate cross-hatched design. A bifurcated tail at the rear of his body adds to the elegant symmetry of the piece.