Pair of Cuffs

14th–16th century

Not on view

Ancient Americans used gold primarily to make objects that adorned the head, neck, and upper torso. Headresses, pectorals, pendants, and ornaments for ear and nose are the most common forms; those for arms, hands, and legs number only a few. Pairs of gold cuffs for arms, and occasionally those for ankles, have been found in Isthmian and Colombian tombs. Arm cuffs - some cover the full length of the lower arm - are plain or embellished with a variety of repoussée patterns that are worked the length of the cuff on both sides of the opening.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

References

Title: Pair of Cuffs
Date: 14th–16th century
Geography: Panama
Culture: Veraguas (?)
Medium: Gold
Dimensions: a: H. 5 1/8 × W. 3 3/4 × D. 2 1/4 in. (13 × 9.5 × 5.7 cm)
b: H. 5 1/4 × W. 3 3/8 × D. 2 1/4 in. (13.3 × 8.6 × 5.7 cm)
Classification: Metal-Ornaments
Credit Line: Gift of Mica Ertegün, 2008
Object Number: 2008.569.21a, b
Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing

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