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

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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