Pottery Whistle
The production of anthropomorphic and zoomorphic ceramic figures in Central and South America originated about 6,500 years ago in the Andes region of Colombia, then spread along the west coast, from Ecuador to northern Chile and Argentina, and finally farther north into Central America.
Although numerous types of instruments survive from pre-conquest South and Central America, little is known of how they were used. Whistles were often made in animal or human form and probably had ceremonial functions or served as playthings. Smaller whistles in animal shapes, perhaps worn suspended from the neck, frequently have fingerholes that allow variation of pitch. Sometimes, the sound it creates mimics the creature represented.
Description: Reddish-brown clay bird-shaped with folded wings, standing on bipodal support, the tail forming mouthpiece, the mouth of whistle on underside at juncture of tail and hollow body which serves as resonating chamber of whistle; 2 fingerholes on upper surface of body on either side of pierced neck; modeled head, "red and black line" geometric ornamentation. (Stewart Pollens and Helen Marr, 1977)
Although numerous types of instruments survive from pre-conquest South and Central America, little is known of how they were used. Whistles were often made in animal or human form and probably had ceremonial functions or served as playthings. Smaller whistles in animal shapes, perhaps worn suspended from the neck, frequently have fingerholes that allow variation of pitch. Sometimes, the sound it creates mimics the creature represented.
Description: Reddish-brown clay bird-shaped with folded wings, standing on bipodal support, the tail forming mouthpiece, the mouth of whistle on underside at juncture of tail and hollow body which serves as resonating chamber of whistle; 2 fingerholes on upper surface of body on either side of pierced neck; modeled head, "red and black line" geometric ornamentation. (Stewart Pollens and Helen Marr, 1977)
Artwork Details
- Title: Pottery Whistle
- Period: Pre-Columbian
- Date: ca. 800–1525
- Geography: Diquis Region, Costa Rica
- Culture: Costa Rican
- Medium: Clay
- Dimensions: L. 4.9 cm (1-15/16 in.); W. 3.5 cm (1-3/8 in.); H. 3.8 cm (1-1/2 in.); Wt. 26 g
- Classification: Aerophone-Whistle Flute-whistle
- Credit Line: Gift of John Meigs Keith, 1908
- Object Number: 08.220.4
- Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Costa Rican
ca. 800–1525
Mayan
7th–9th century
Native American (Northwest Coast)
19th century
Linea Vieja
ca. 800–1525
Native American (Sioux)
ca. 1850–1900
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.