Pendant with Stacked Monkeys and Snakes300–700 CE

On view:

Geffen Galleries, Stonework from Mesoamerica and the Caribbean Coast

Title: Pendant with Stacked Monkeys and Snakes
Culture: Caribbean Watershed
Place Made: Costa Rica
Date Made: 300–700 CE
Medium: Greenstone
Dimensions: 8 7/8 × 1 7/8 × 1/2 in. (22.54 × 4.76 × 1.27 cm)
Credit Line: Gift of Daniel Greenberg and Susan Steinhauser
Accession Number: M.2016.334.36
Classification: Stone
Collecting Area: Art of the Ancient Americas
Curatorial Notes: Carved from the central portion of one half of a split celt (the septum is clearly visible on the back), this celtiform pendant features stacked figures—two facing up and two facing down. With long tails that curl up over their heads, they have been interpreted as monkeys, although this is far from definite. The supposed tails terminate in serpent heads that are grasped by one hand of the corresponding figure, so they may also be humans holding serpents or staffs ending in serpent heads.

Numerous holes were drilled through the piece to create openings that delineate various features of the design. An additional hole drilled at one end appears to be for suspension. The pendant would thus have hung vertically.

Julia Burtenshaw

2024

On view:

Geffen Galleries, Stonework from Mesoamerica and the Caribbean Coast

Title: Pendant with Stacked Monkeys and Snakes
Culture: Caribbean Watershed
Place Made: Costa Rica
Date Made: 300–700 CE
Medium: Greenstone
Dimensions: 8 7/8 × 1 7/8 × 1/2 in. (22.54 × 4.76 × 1.27 cm)
Credit Line: Gift of Daniel Greenberg and Susan Steinhauser
Accession Number: M.2016.334.36
Classification: Stone
Collecting Area: Art of the Ancient Americas
Curatorial Notes: Carved from the central portion of one half of a split celt (the septum is clearly visible on the back), this celtiform pendant features stacked figures—two facing up and two facing down. With long tails that curl up over their heads, they have been interpreted as monkeys, although this is far from definite. The supposed tails terminate in serpent heads that are grasped by one hand of the corresponding figure, so they may also be humans holding serpents or staffs ending in serpent heads.

Numerous holes were drilled through the piece to create openings that delineate various features of the design. An additional hole drilled at one end appears to be for suspension. The pendant would thus have hung vertically.

Julia Burtenshaw

2024