The Diquis region has yielded the largest quantity and diversity of Pre-Columbian gold. This wonderful shark pendant is a perfect example of the diverse talents of the Diquis goldsmiths, who delighted in depicting animals and sea creatures. The realism of this shark is quite stunning and must have been modelled from life; perhaps from a shark which wandered up a river. It was in fact the rivers which yielded such an abundance of gold. The iconography of Diquis gold jewelry covers an extraordinarily wide expanse--from the extremely abstract to strict realism. It is possible the esoteric and flamboyant designs had a ritualistic purpose, while items such as this pendant were worn by wealthy and important individuals who enjoyed simple but dramatic decoration. Because of its elegance, this pendant is as much a sculpture as a piece of jewelry; radiating a brilliant light as if the shark is swimming through a crystal sea reflecting the light of the sun.