Description:

Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Colima, ca. 300 BCE to 300 CE. A fascinating pottery whistle in the form of a zoomorph, highly burnished and coated in a brilliant shade of burnt sienna. Still functioning, his petite ancient instrument features a conical body with a pointed tail and a bulbous head, exhibiting an incised mouth and two drill hole eyes. Though the creature displays a fish-like body, face, back fin, and tail, it also showcases characteristics of other animals, such as its four legs and feet, each incised with toes, and two round ears that sit atop its head with a band that connects to each ear and wraps around its chin. There is a hole in the animal's back and another at the end of its tail allowing it to function as a whistle. Size: 3" L x 1.875" W x 1.75" H (7.6 cm x 4.8 cm x 4.4 cm)

Provenance: private Southern California, USA collection, acquired in the 1970s to mid 1980s

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#145528

  • Condition: Tail has been reattached. Expected surface wear commensurate with age and use. Otherwise, excellent and functioning with lovely sodium and earthen deposits throughout.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

February 11, 2021 10:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000