Coclé Gold Frog Pendant, circa AD 800 - 1500

Acquired by the present owner's father prior to 1950

The frog is frequently portrayed in Veraguas goldwork, as it is considered to be a symbol of fertility and life as frogs flourish in aquatic and lush environments. The frog's hind legs are tightly bent with its webbed feet pointing outward as if about to leap. The front legs are decorated with bands and terminate in loops used to hang the pendant. Its protruding eyes are composed of small rattles, which produce a delicate sound and invite the movement of the piece. Four stylized spirals emerge from the frog's mouth, representing the foamy bubbles that are often produced by this kind of amphibian.