This exhibit presents more than 120 exquisitely crafted pieces of Precolumbian goldwork from Penn Museum’s 1940 excavations at the ancient cemetery site of Sitio Conte in what is now central Panama. The exhibition includes large embossed plaques, cast pendants and nose ornaments, gold-sheathed ear rods, and necklaces of intricate beads—as well as polychrome ceramics, and objects made of precious and semi-precious stones, whale-tooth ivory, and bone.

In the first section of the exhibit, visitors are introduced to the geographical setting of central Panama and the excavations at Sitio Conte. The exciting story of the dramatic find of a multi-grave burial containing a wealth of gold is told through site photographs, maps, drawings, even a video from the original color film of the archaeological team. The second section reconstructs lifestyles of Precolumbian society in ancient Panama. The third section analyzes the tantalizing iconography found on Sitio Conte goldwork and ceramics to help viewers interpret aspects of a long-lost ideology. The sophisticated metallurgical processes by which the goldsmiths of Sitio Conte achieved extraordinary results are thoughtfully explained in the final section of the exhibition.

River of Gold is not only visually stunning. It also gives viewers an invaluable glimpse into a Panamanian society as it was 1,000 years ago.

 

Availability	Starting in Fall 2007
Gallery Space	min. 2000 square feet
Venue Period	12 weeks. Every effort will be made to accommodate special requests from borrowers.
Contents	Approximately 150 objects. Mounts and display decks are included. Piece labels, section captions, and text panels accompany the exhibit. These materials are also provided in disc form. Public relations material will be provided prior to the opening of the exhibit. A full-color catalogue and exhibit-related merchandise are also available. Speakers are available on request.
Shipping	To be arranged by Penn Museum. Shipping costs are prorated among venues.
Insurance	Covered by Penn Museum.
Installation/ Deinstallation	Courier required. Qualified staff at borrowing institution will help in installation and deinstallation of the exhibition.
Requirements	Facility report must be submitted for review before approval of loan. Borrowing institutions must complete incoming and outgoing condition reports. The borrower must adhere to temperature and light controls for this exhibit.
Contacts	Katherine Blanchard Traveling Exhibits Coordinator 215-746-6976 kblancha@sas.upenn.edu