Description:

Pre-Columbian, Mayan territories, ca. 600-900 CE. This whistle pays homage to the female figure in Mayan society. Ancient Maya women played important roles; they participated in their economy via agricultural work and textile production; they were also active in civic life. The city of Tonina, for example, developed a matrilinear system of hereditary descent after the reign and death of a mighty leader named Lady K'awil, who assumed power following the failure of two male leaders. One can find references to Lady K'awil's reign on murals that depict her seated on a throne with captives at her feet. This whistle assumes the form of a pregnant female with a pronounced belly and umbilical plug. She dons a curly coiffure and wears a substantive necklace and large earspools, perhaps indicative of her high status. Beyond being active members of Mayan economy and government, women were not surprisingly esteemed for their ability bear and raise children. 4-1/2"T x 4-1/8"W at widest x 4-3/4"D

Provenance: Ex-Leonard Kalina Fine Art, Los Angeles, CA

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  • Condition: Loss at left foot, tip of left earlobe, and slight chips at mouthpiece and back of left arm. Repair at neck. Else intact and excellent.

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October 24, 2014 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$200,000 + $25,000