Apart from being beautiful, Pre-Columbian gold jewelry represents a coherent system of religious and social imagery. Much of the Costa Rican gold can be directly related to shamanic practice and the propaganda of chiefs who wished to display their wealth and power through iconographic means. Yet, when confronted with something so unique as this fabulous pendant, established imagery no longer proviedes definite answers. This wonderful pair of large dogs are 'embracing' in a tug of war over a leg and foot. Each has a portion of the leg locked in their powerful jaws. There is a marvellous feeling of power from these animals, as well as a sense of their natural beauty. It is as if we can actually feel their glistening coats in the radiant gold. Representations of dogs in Central and South America is very unusual, which suggests this pendant was speciafically made for a singular purpose or as a commission for an important individual. The subject matter may have been influenced by Mexican art where dogs are frequently depicted. Gold pendants were worn not only as ornamentation, but to convey power and authority. With elegance and exemplary skill an artist has brilliantly conveyed these qualities, and added his own touch of drama and intense excitement.