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Bird-Headed Figure Whistle

8th–9th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 684
This freestanding ceramic figure represents a mastery of Veracruz decorative style and a spirited, improvisational use of form. An attitude of power is conveyed by a wide stance, outward extended elbows, and hands placed upon hips. Opposing the solidity of this posture is the floating, asymmetrical form of a fantastic horned and feathered serpent projecting from the head of the masked human figure or bird-headed anthropomorph. This figure wears an elaborate collar and a loincloth with a panel decorated with an abstract design that can be read as a splayed anthropomorphic figure. The broad collar that caps the figure's shoulders possesses a central element and is incised along its edge to depict a fringed border. Panels of scrollwork and interlaces and bands of repeated motifs characteristic of the art of Veracruz appear in relief on surfaces throughout the composition. The figure is actually a whistle and its musical function and the creative, whimsical compositions that inform the object give it an air of ceremony and celebration.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Bird-Headed Figure Whistle
  • Date: 8th–9th century
  • Geography: Mexico, Mesoamerica, Veracruz
  • Culture: Veracruz
  • Medium: Ceramic, pigment
  • Dimensions: H. 20 1/4 x W. 9 1/2 x D. 5 3/4 in. (51.4 x 24.1 x 14.6 cm)
  • Classification: Ceramics-Musical Instruments
  • Credit Line: The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection, Gift of Nelson A. Rockefeller, 1963
  • Object Number: 1978.412.80
  • Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing

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