Description:

Pre-Columbian, Central America, Panama, Gran Cocle, ca. 1000 CE. A beautiful rattle bracelet known as a "sonajero" shaped from a thin sheet of 76% gold (equivalent to 18K+ gold) which has been formed into a tube, bent into an ovoid ring, and capped at the terminals. Within the bracelet are several small balls which emit a rattling sound when jostled. An attractive example of fine gold artistry from ancient Central America! Size: 3.5" L x 2.25" W (8.9 cm x 5.7 cm); quality of gold: 76% (equivalent to 18K+); total weight: 12.8 grams.

Gold ornaments have been found in ancient Panamanian graves and in deposits in cenotes, probably signifying a ritual purpose. Elites in the Cocle culture seem to have adorned themselves in fabulous gold ornaments, mostly made from gold found in rivers.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-John Wise collection, New York, USA

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#144353

  • Condition: Slight bending to overall form due to thinness of gold sheet, with minor separation to area where folds meet, otherwise intact and excellent. Light patina throughout. Interior balls emit rattling sound when jostled but are susceptible to becoming stuck.

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February 21, 2019 7:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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