Description:

**First Time At Auction**

Pre-Columbian, Colombia, Tairona, ca. 1000 to 1500 CE. A brownware whistle depicting an intriguing creature - possibly a priest impersonating a mythical figure as it possesses both zoomorphic and anthropomorphic traits. The dramatic figure kneels with both hands placed upon knees and presents a toothy grimace, narrow eyes, and a protruding forehead, as well as wrists bedecked with multiple bracelets. The figural whistle is also elaborately decorated with impressed and incised detailing, and features a blow hole behind its head and a finger hole upon its chest. According to Armand Labbe's "Colombia Before Columbus" (1986), "Although Tairona pottery in general is well made and the sculptural lines are well defined, Fine Brown Ware tends to be the best executed and evinces the most detail with respect to incised decoration and distinction of forms." Size: 1.875" W x 3.625" H (4.8 cm x 9.2 cm)

For similar avian ocarinas created by Tairona peoples, see Labbe "Colombia Before Columbus" New York: Rizzoli, 1986, figure 164, page 194.

Provenance: private Vaught collection, Atlanta, Georgia USA

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#124080

  • Condition: Overall excellent. Whistle functions well and produces a wonderful sound. Inventory number on base.

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June 26, 2017 9:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$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 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000