Staff Head(?), c. 400-700. Colombia or Panama, International style, 5th-8th Century. Cast gold; overall: x x cm (3 1/4 x 2 13/16 x 15/16 in.). The two-headed beast that crouches on the top of this object-perhaps a staff finial (head)-holds a human head or perhaps a mask between its paws. The silken surface and simple, elegant design identify the finial as of the International style, so-called because it crossed ancient boundaries and is found in Colombia as well as Costa Rica and Panama.

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Photo credit: © CMA/BOT / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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