This stunning crocodile appears as though it has just stepped out of the Caribbean Sea, ready to bask in the Costa Rican sun. This creature comes from the Chiriqui culture and embodies the strength and power which the Costa Ricans and Panamanians associated with this awe-inspiring reptile. The Chiriqui culture in particular seems to have held this creature in high esteem, which is evident from the frequency with which crocodilian motifs appear in Chiriqui gold sculptures. The crocodile is depicted in a highly stylized manner. Its eyes are fashioned in the "coffee bean" shape closely associated with Pre-Columbian sculpture. The creature's bared teeth are rendered into symmetrical rectangular projections. The rest of the body, however, is softly rounded and softens the effect of the crocodile's snarling visage. The bangles encircling its ankles impart an anthropomorphic element to the animal and indicate that it is a highly venerated figure and may represent a deity.