Code: PCCR037
Size: 3 1/2" (8.5 cms) long

The motif of this mystical amulet features a 'shapeshifting', or shamanistic transforming, medicine man. The crocodile visage, seen in this piece, was a common 'alter-ego', or 'totem' of many of these amulets depicting such a shamanic transformation from that era. This piece invokes themes of personal power and domination of the Self. Between the years CE1300 to European contact, gold working had reached its zenith regarding complexity and finesse of technique among the stratified societies of the southern coast of present-day Costa Rica. The 'lost wax' casting technique employed allowed for the nearly baroque designs that were emerging during this period. Most of the goldwork were objects designating social rank for the elite of the territory: amulets, ear spools, pierced lip and nose jewelry and breastplates. This mystical amulet features an iconic frog motif symbolizing abundance, fertility, the life-giving rains and life-supporting systems. Southern Pacific Watershed, Costa Rica