Collection
/
Arts of the Americas

Male Figure Pendant

Cauca

1 of 4

Object Label

While we do not know the significance of the figures on these gold pendants, the mixture of human and animal attributes suggests a mythical and supernatural universe. The ornaments were worn on necklaces, perhaps by political and religious leaders who recognized and valued their symbolism. The representations of anthropomorphic animals may allude to the transformative powers of shamans or their spirit helpers as they journey to supernatural realms.

Caption

Cauca. Male Figure Pendant, 900–1500 CE. Cast gold, 4 1/8 x 2 3/8 x 7/8 in. (10.5 x 6.0 x 2.2 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of the Estate of Alice M. Kaplan, 2001.28.2. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)

Gallery

Not on view

Culture

Cauca

Title

Male Figure Pendant

Date

900–1500 CE

Period

Late Period

Medium

Cast gold

Classification

Ornament

Dimensions

4 1/8 x 2 3/8 x 7/8 in. (10.5 x 6.0 x 2.2 cm)

Credit Line

Gift of the Estate of Alice M. Kaplan

Accession Number

2001.28.2

Frequent Art Questions

  • On the label for this work it says it was made by a Cauca artist. To which pre-Columbian culture does this art piece belong?

    Not much is known about the peoples of the Cauca River Valley who produced Popayán style gold pendants like this one. We don't know which smaller or more specific group this object comes from or if it represents it's own distinct Popayán culture.
    Ok, thank you.

Have information?

Have information about an artwork? Contact us at

bkmcollections@brooklynmuseum.org.

Artists and makers

Cauca

1 work in the collection