Description:

Pre-Columbian, Ecuador, Manabi Culture, Regional Development Period, ca. 500 BCE to 500 CE. A modest yet evocative terracotta whistle figure from the Manabi culture of coastal Ecuador, this female effigy doubles as a functional musical instrument. The mouthpiece is discreetly positioned atop her headdress, with whistle holes on the verso, indicating ritual use in ceremonies or funerary rites. She stands with feet together and arms bent toward her waist in a composed posture. Her stylized features include a prominent nose adorned by a septum ring, ovoid eyes, and a pointed chin. A double-stranded necklace and pectoral beads adorn her chest, while rounded breasts and a full skirt emphasize her femininity. Both symbolic and sonorous, she embodies the Manabi tradition of blending sculpture with sacred sound. Size: 3.9" W x 9.6" H (9.9 cm x 24.4 cm)

Provenance: Collection of Y. Kayvan, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired from a Los Angeles, California, USA gallery acquisition dates range from the late 1990s to 2005

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#194476

  • Condition: Professionally repaired at neck with restoration and repainting over break lines. Weathering to surface as shown, but, otherwise, nice presentation with liberal detail and scattered earthen deposits. Still functions as a whistle.

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Shipping

SHIPPING LOGISTICS: As a courtesy to our clients worldwide, Artemis Gallery is happy to handle shipping for most lots sold, taking the hassle (and high cost!) out of having to arrange shipping on your own. Shipping costs will be added to your invoice at auction's end based on information given when you registered to bid - we strive to offer the most economical shipping costs to ensure safe transit. Our shippers of choice are DHL for International shipments and UPS for domestic shipments, but we are able to ship via other carriers at the buyer's expense as deemed necessary or by request.

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May 30, 2025 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000