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: standing human figure of dark reddish brown clay, the head and body of the figure forming one hollow chamber serving as resonator for the whistle and rattling elements (pottery fragments), a blow hole located at the base, finger hole on either side of neck; modeled features, pierced eyes and mouth.
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: standing human figure of dark reddish brown clay, the head and body of the figure forming one hollow chamber serving as resonator for the whistle and rattling elements (pottery fragments), a blow hole located at the base, finger hole on either side of neck; modeled features, pierced eyes and mouth.
Artwork Details
- Title: Pottery Whistle
- Date: 19th century
- Geography: Oaxaca Valley, Mexico
- Culture: Mexican
- Medium: Clay
- Dimensions: H: 131mm; W: 71mm; D: 40mm; Wt:164g.
- Classification: Aerophone-Whistle Flute-whistle
- Credit Line: The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, 1889
- Object Number: 89.4.3461
- Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments
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