Description:

Pre-Columbian, Northern Peru, Vicus culture, ca. 200 BCE to 200 CE. A charming pottery whistle vessel featuring 2 spherical chambers with the head of a lord at the top of one and the conical spout or mouthpiece surmounting the other. Crowned by a tripartite headdress, the square head of the lord features slender eyes with delineated pupils, a narrow nose with pierced nostrils, and a smiling mouth, all flanked by a pair of huge earspools. Each chamber of the vessel is supported by a flared foot as 2 tubular bridges connect them, the higher one doubling as a handle. Nice traces of negative resist decoration adorn the exterior of each chamber with linear designs, emphasizing their voluminous forms. Blow through the spout and listen as a high-pitched tone emits from the head of the ancient lord! Size: 8.3" L x 4" W x 6.8" H (21.1 cm x 10.2 cm x 17.3 cm)

Provenance: private Ferndale, Michigan, USA collection; ex-private Detroit, Michigan, USA collection, acquired prior to 2004

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#182556

  • Condition: Still functions as a whistle. Professionally repaired with restoration and some break lines visible. Chipping to spout and proper right ear spool, as well as a few nicks and pitting as shown. Base has slight wobble but still can stand independently of support. Otherwise, nice presentation and liberal remaining negative resist decoration. Old collection label on underside.

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December 14, 2023 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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