Description:

Pre-Columbian, Southern Mexico to Guatemala, Maya, Late Classic Period, ca. 550 to 900 CE. A mold-formed whistle in the form of a standing skeletal simian. The haunting creature presents holding a rattle in one hand while a large pectoral stretches across his chest and a conical cap tops his head. A pair of finger holes on the verso change the pitch of the created note when air is blown into the mouthpiece. This primate may represent Hun-Chowen, a step-brother to the Maya Hero Twins who was typically depicted as a howler monkey. Size: 4.25" W x 5" H (10.8 cm x 12.7 cm)

Cf. A vessel shaped like a monkey skull at the Yale University Art Gallery, accession number 2015.2.15

Provenance: ex-Marc Amiguet Schmitt estate, Amiguet's Ancient Art, Evansville, Indiana, USA, acquired prior to January 1, 2010

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#175065

  • Condition: Chips and small losses to some peripheral areas, with softening to some finer details, and one area of fire-darkening across chest, otherwise in very good condition. Nice sound when whistle is played!

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October 20, 2022 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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