Description:

Pre-Columbian, Mexico, Vera Cruz, ca. 500 to 700 CE. A marvelous - still playable! - pottery duct flute of tubular form extensively decorated with modeled imagery of a large bird, perhaps a vulture of other raptorial bird, standing at the center of a sun disk surrounded by 3 more petite birds. These avian creatures may be an allusion to the whistling sound emitted when the instrument is played or symbolize the flutes use as a tool of communication since birds were believed to be messengers between man and the gods. Note the petite clay pellet on the interior of the tubular chamber, allowing the instrument to produce an eerie, warbling sound when played, although it takes skill to elicit the full range of auditory features made possible by this structural innovation. Size: 14.5" L x 6.7" W x 3.5" H (36.8 cm x 17 cm x 8.9 cm); 7.7" H (19.6 cm) on included custom stand.

The high-quality craftsmanship and detailed, symbolic decoration of this flute imply its social and ritual importance as a special instrument intended for use during rites of significance rather than more commonplace public ceremonies.

According to the consignor this piece was previously exhibited at the Everson Art Museum in Syracuse, New York and at the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix, Arizona.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, acquired from 2000 to 2010; ex-Katz Collection

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#184528

  • Condition: Still functions as a whistle. Professionally repaired with restoration; all done expertly and very difficult to notice. Light surface wear, but otherwise, excellent presentation with impressive preservation of detail. Light earthen deposits in areas.

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March 8, 2024 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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