Description:

Pre-Columbian, Peru (south coast) or Chile, Paracas or Proto-Nazca culture, ca. 500 BCE to 1 BCE. A pair of charming musical instruments, both made from gourds. First, a rattle with a round body and long, thin stem that serves as a handle. The natural opening in the base of the handle is sealed with clay to contain the rattling components within, probably small pebbles. Second, a gourd with an elongated, ovoid form and long, curved stem, carved into a nose flute. There were no stringed instruments in South America prior to European contact, but they did have a multitude of wind and percussion instruments, often portrayed in artwork being played in ceremonies and processions, as these may have been. Size of largest (flute): 1.9" W x 7.2" H (4.8 cm x 18.3 cm); 12.5" H (31.8 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-private Hans Juergen Westermann collection, Germany

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#146430

  • Condition: Both are intact and functional, although the flute may have a small loss from base (alternately, this may be a natural variation in the gourd). Light surface wear commensurate with age.

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July 25, 2019 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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