Human figures abound in Panamanian gold jewelry, along with many hypotheses as to their meaning. This delightful figure has certain traits in common with other male representations, seen particularly in his wide grin and exposed teeth. With his hands clenched tightly on his knees, feet turned slightly inwards, and glaring eyes; he is the very picture of intense concentration. The unique conical hat with a textured band may relate to the figure's status. The contemporary Ngawbe-Gnaymi people of Panama used bark-cloth conical hats during their stick-throwing ceremony, the balseria. The fact it is the figure's only adornment gives the hat a visual power, as well as symbolic meaning. Seated on a sort of cushion, this served as the top of a scepter which may have been held by a chief or shaman. To look into this man's eyes, seeing through to the other side, is to share in the visions he must have witnessed; still visible through our imagination.