Cleveland Museum of Art

Frog Pendant

Date: c. 1000–1550
Medium: cast gold
Culture: Panama, Veraguas-Chiriquí style, 11th-16th century
Department: Art of the Americas
Institution: Cleveland Museum of Art
Object ID: 138879

From the Cleveland Museum of Art record

In general, frogs and toads symbolize life-giving water and the green growth it promotes. More surprising is their mythical role as keepers or donors of fire, an association perhaps enhanced by the bright colors that many frogs "flash" when startled, a form of protection. Brightly colored frogs, including those with golden tones, also produce very poisonous toxins, which in part led to a final connection with the underworld and death.

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Provenance & credit

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Credit line: Gift of Mrs. Malcolm L. McBride

Part of a LinkedCulture topic

Pre-Columbian Body Adornment
These objects are personal ornaments and jewelry worn by ancient Mesoamerican and Andean cultures, including ear ornaments, nose ornaments, plaques, and costume decorations made from precious metals, stone, shell, and ce
359 objects from 4 institutions