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.
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.
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.
Artwork Details
- Title: Whistle
- Period: Pre-Columbian
- Date: 300–200 BCE
- Geography: Ocucaje-South Coast, Paracas, Peru
- Culture: Paracas
- Medium: Ceramic, polychrome
- Dimensions: H: 5.9cm (2 5/16in.)
- Classification: Aerophone-Whistle Flute-vessel flute
- Credit Line: Purchase, Amati Gifts, 2007
- Object Number: 2007.16
- Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments
More Artwork
A slider containing 3 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
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.