Description:

Pre-Columbian, Colombia, Tairona, ca. 1000 to 1550 CE. A mold-formed pottery ocarina whistle with Heisei, a bat faced deity, in relief. The headdress around the visage is incised with cross hatching and the lips are slightly pulled back to reveal sharp teeth. Heisei is the god of sexuality and this instrument's body has an unusual testicular shape that alludes to his reputation. An opening in the top of the headdress, the verso, and four small holes along the lower front part of the ocarina allowed the instrument to be played, and this example is still functional! Size: 2" L x 1.5" W (5.1 cm x 3.8 cm); 5" H (12.7 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: ex-private Bishop Family Trust collection, the Trust of the late Bill Bishop, a noted antiquarian with shops in Scottsdale, Arizona and Allenspark, Colorado, USA, acquired before 2010

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#173551

  • Condition: Intact and excellent. Light mineral and earthen deposits in recessed areas. Functions and emits sound.

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September 24, 2022 10:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$300 $999 $50
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$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
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