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photograph of current display in the Grand Vestibule
Grand Vestibule: The British Monarchy and the World

The Grand Vestibule at Windsor Castle reflects interaction between the monarchy and the wider world

PANAMANIAN

Breast plate

thirteenth century

RCIN 49997

Breastplates or pendants like this have been discovered in a grave near the Panama Canal; this example could date from as early as AD 700. The piece is said to have been found in the ‘Choco’ region (present-day Colombia), but no detailed information is available about its origins. The pendant is an alloy of gold and copper known as tumbaga, which was used in pre-Colombian Central America. 

This piece is likely to have been worn as a large pendant suspended from a necklace. It would have been buried with its illustrious owner after death. 

Presented to Queen Elizabeth II by President José Cantera of Panama on the occasion of her Coronation, 2 June 1953.


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