Pre-Columbian, Northwest Coast Peru, Viru culture, ca. 100 BCE to 600 CE. A remarkable whistling redware bird effigy vessel comprised of 2 bulbous chambers that are connected via a brief tunnel at their side. From the top of one is a large parrot or macaw head with a massive, hooked beak, raised annular eyes, and an arched tubular bridge handle connects the spout to the bird's head. The spout functions as the mouthpiece, and the head is pierced for emitting notes of differing pitches - this vessel still emits a breathy whistling tone! The dark umber red surface is painted with a negative resist style of vertical wavy lines. Size: 6.5" L x 4" W x 6" H (16.5 cm x 10.2 cm x 15.2 cm)
Provenance: private Lumberton, Texas, USA collection, acquired before 2010
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#169621
Condition
Professionally repaired and restored, parrot head and handle reattached. Repairs are nearly indiscernible. Chips to rim of spout. Some fading to painted pigments. Emits a whistling sound but note holes do not change pitch.