Coclé Figural Pendant

Mathias Komor, New York (inv. no. L45)
Howard and Saretta Barnet, New York, acquired from the above on March 8, 1958

The densely cast ornament of a stylized figure is a fine example of the detailed workmanship achieved with lost-wax casting. The original sculpture is overlaid with thin modeled bands creating the delicate projecting arms and legs, the broad face has an applied straight mouth and beaded nose and eyes, the filigree ears are double spirals at the side; the figure wears a braided headband and the flattened top of the head is decorated with rows of tiny beadwork; the concave reverse contains the suspension loop. The highly rounded, columnar form is typical of Coclé goldwork, seen on cast rings and pendants which often hold inserted stone or shell additions; see Emmerich, Sweat of the Sun, Tears of the Moon, New York, 1965, pp. 97-98, figs. 121-122.