Whistle
Not on view
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.
Description: Hollow post-fired ceramic figure of man wearing a tunic with horizontal strips in blue and white, one hand to his headdress and the other at his side; whistle at back with mouthpiece projecting above head of figure.
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