Description:

Pre-Columbian, Central America, Costa Rica, ca. 500 to 1000 CE. A charming pair of Costa Rican pottery whistles, each formed as a compact figural vessel and still capable of producing sound after centuries. Modeled in ceramic, the whistles feature rounded bodies with applied animal or bird-like heads, pierced with air holes and spouts designed to create tone when blown. One retains a warm reddish surface, while the other shows darker mineral deposits. Their small scale and lively forms suggest use in ritual, communication, or musical performance. Both remain functional, offering a rare and immediate connection to the soundscape of ancient Costa Rican life. Size of larger (blackware): 2.4" L x 1.5" W (6.1 cm x 3.8 cm)

Provenance: private Colorado, USA collection; ex-private Los Angeles, California, USA collection; ex-major gallery, Beverly Hills, California, USA, primarily acquired between 1985 and 2005

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#201584

  • Condition: Chipping and losses with weathering to surfaces as shown. Both still function as whistles. Scattered earthen deposits throughout.

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April 3, 2026 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