Pre-Columbian, Peru, Northern Highlands, Recuay culture, ca. 400 to 600 CE. A fascinating pottery whistle vessel comprised of 2 cuboid chambers with an anthropomorphic head surmounting one and a tubular spout capping the other. Enveloped in red slip with liberal remains of white and black decoration, the chambers are joined via a strap-form handle at the top with a tubular connector below. A trio of cylindrical legs rise around the human head, supporting a roof-like covering above it. The stylized visage gazes forward exhibiting squinting eyes, a huge, curved nose, and a straight mouth with gritted teeth, all flanked by a pair of protruding ears and crowned by a beaded headband. Drill holes at the back of the head as well as in the figure's ears, nostrils, and mouth allow the vessel to produce a lovely high-pitched whistle when one blows into the spout! Size: 10.8" L x 4.5" W x 8.8" H (27.4 cm x 11.4 cm x 22.4 cm)
Provenance: ex-private Bishop Family Trust collection, the Trust of the late Bill Bishop, a noted antiquarian with shops in Scottsdale, Arizona and Allenspark, Colorado, USA, acquired before 2010
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#172895
Condition
Still functions as a whistle. Professionally repaired with break lines and adhesive visible in some areas, as well as light restoration in others. Expected surface wear as shown. Otherwise, very nice with great remaining pigments and lovely encrustations. Collection label on base.