Description:

Pre-Columbian, Mexico, Veracruz culture, ca. 6th to 8th century CE. A fascinating, hand-built, terracotta whistle depicting a visage that is at once avian and zoomorphic - note the curved beak projecting below its huge round eyes, those pointed ears above, and the paws or wings below. Clasped in its beak is an upraised human hand. Shiny black chapapote embellishes the features, making for a striking presentation, and two perforations through the wings or paws allow the piece to be suspended, perhaps worn around the neck. In addition to being an intriguing form, the whistle works, producing a marvelous high-pitched tone. Size: 3.5" L x 2.1" W x 1.6" H (8.9 cm x 5.3 cm x 4.1 cm)

Provenance: private Hidden Valley Lake, California, USA collection, purchased June 1, 2020; ex-Artemis Gallery, Louisville, Colorado, USA; ex-Lands Beyond Ltd Gallery, Ken Bower, New York, New York, USA, acquired in 2000s

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#170803

  • Condition: Chips to the hand below the beak. Slight surface wear commensurate with age. Nice mineral deposits (white caliche) and root marks. The whistle works well, producing a high-pitched tone!

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

October 20, 2022 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 26.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

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