Not Ancient but Pre-Columbian

[renegade3220]

My father-in-law was raised in Panama in a military family.  He still goes there all the time, and has this pre-columbian amulet.

From my understanding, it would have been worn as jewelery.  He also has some pottery, but I was wondering if anyone could shed some more light on this piece. 

I really haven't been able to find much information.  It most likely is due to my total lack of knowledge in this area.

Thanks!

[renegade3220]

Forgot to add that the only thing that I can think it to be is a Shamanistic / Demonistic pendant where shaman or demonic pre-columbian gold designs depicted a shaman dressed in mask or costume or a demonistic figure.  Or it is just depicting a man.  I think that the shamanistic stuf usually has grotesque depictions for facial features.

Not sure if anyone else can get me farther than this.

[dltcoins]

This article should answer many of your questions:

http://www.doaks.org/publications/doaks_online_publications/GoldandPower/GoldandPower03.pdf

[renegade3220]

Hey thanks!  I will have to read this.  I appreciate the help.  I hope this does answer my questions.