Description:

Pre-Columbian, Mexico, Vera Cuz culture, ca. 6th to 8th century CE. An earthenware whistle in the form of a chubby toad with three remaining legs, a bumpy texture on its back, and a fierce, open-mouthed face with large eyes and prominent nostrils. Toads and frogs are common iconography in Mesoamerica, where their tadpole-to-land-animal life cycle resulted in them becoming symbols of rebirth. Some toads were also known for their hallucinogenic secretions and toad remains are commonly found in tombs. This piece is still playable! Size: 5.1" L x 2.7" W x 2.55" H (13 cm x 6.9 cm x 6.5 cm)

Provenance: Adeon Gallery, Chicago, Illinois, USA, acquired prior to 1970

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#122904

  • Condition: Possible ancient loss of one foot. Loss to front of mouth. Still whistles with a piercing noise!

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May 18, 2017 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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