Pre-Columbian, Colombia, Narino/Capuli Complex, Narino culture, ca. 850 to 1500 CE. A hand-built pottery whistle in the form of a hollow conch shell. Painted with maroon motifs atop a creamy yellow ground, the instrument presents with 1 large and 1 small tone hole on the body as well as a pair of suspension holes near the top. This type of whistle was used by blowing air transversely across the tone holes to create a sound, whereas most ancient whistles where air must be blown into the vessel. Size: 3.2" L x 2.81" W (8.1 cm x 7.1 cm)
Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, 1995 to 2010; ex-private Hans Juergen Westermann collection, Germany, collected from 1950s to 1960s
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#108981
Condition
Minor abrasions to body, otherwise intact and very good. Nice preservation to painted motifs. Whistle does not create sound when air is blown transversely over the tone holes. Old inventory label on bottom.