Figure Pendant. Culture: Central Caribbean (Costa Rica) or Greater Chiriquí. Dimensions: H. 2 1/2 x W. 1 1/2 x D. 5/8 in. (6.4 x 3.8 x 1.6 cm). Date: A.D. 6th-16th century.Metalworkers in the Central American Isthmus made this figure pendant by casting an alloy of gold through the lost-wax process. A thick, horizontal loop on the back of the figure's head suggests that it could have been worn by a person, but without archaeological context, it is difficult to suggest who wore it or in what setting. People may have circulated and displayed such objects to produce or reinforce power for their clan, or group of specialists (Ibarra 2003; also see Bozzoli 1975). These gold objects would have been accessible to a wide array of people and not concentrated in the hands of a select few.The present figure wears a headdress that includes a trapezoidal element at center, a double band lower at center, and spiral-ended plumes that extend from either side of the head and out above it. The eyes an