Bat-Winged Pendant

300–500 CE
Not on view
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.
This bat, one of the largest winged pendants from Costa Rica, features zoomorphic heads in profile on the tips of its wings. The triangular faces with closed eyes incised in the center of the wings may represent trophy heads.



Este murciélago, uno de los más grandes colgantes de tipo "con alas" de Costa Rica, tiene sus alas abiertas y presenta cabezas de perfil zoomorfas con puntas. Las cabezas triangulares con ojos cerrados y las incisiones entre las puntas de las alas y en el cuerpo de la figura podrían representar cabezas-trofeo.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Bat-Winged Pendant
  • Date: 300–500 CE
  • Geography: Costa Rica
  • Culture: Guanacaste-Nicoya
  • Medium: Jadeite
  • Dimensions: H. 1 5/8 × W. 6 × D. 1 1/8 in. (4.1 × 15.3 × 2.9 cm)
  • Classification: Stone-Ornaments
  • Credit Line: Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Pittsburgh (2939/1181)
  • Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing