Description:

Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Jalisco, ca. 300 BCE to 300 CE. An incredibly rare and wonderful pottery flute (ocarina) in the form of a pair of frogs. The larger frog is shown in a crouching position with hind legs folded under the body, a rounded ample belly, a wide head with applied rings for eyes, and an open mouth which acts as the mouthpiece, with two finger holes through the upper body used to change the pitch. Upon his back is a smaller frog, perhaps hitching a ride - perhaps engaged in copulation - after all, the frog (rana) was associated not only with rain and the sustenance that it brings about, but also fertility in the Pre-Columbian world. Both frogs are adorned with red and yellow-orange slip, and their surfaces are also covered with liberal manganese deposits. A wonderful piece of musical art from the ancients of the Americas! Size: 4.75" L x 4.75" W x 3.875" H (12.1 cm x 12.1 cm x 9.8 cm)

Provenance: ex Sidney Newman Collection, Beverly Hills, California, USA; actively Collected in 1960s to 1970s

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#130913

  • Condition: Old loss to back of one foot/leg. Normal surface wear and earthen encrustation commensurate with age. Both frogs covered with liberal manganese deposits. Works well and creates dulcet tones!

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April 17, 2018 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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