Description:

Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Vicus, ca. 200 BCE to 200 CE. A fascinating pottery vessel comprised of 2 chambers, 1 in the form of a nude male figure and the other as a bulbous jar with a narrow spout, connected via a stirrup handle and a bridge. Standing atop a pair of short, thick legs, the avian-esque figure bends his attenuated arms at the elbows, placing his hands on his puffed chest, above his erect phallus. His flared head resembles that of an owl, presenting an evocative visage with slender, ovoid eyes, a projecting beak-like nose and a wide smile, all flanked by a pair of rectangular ears. A series of perforations on the verso of his head, as well as on his eyes, nose, and mouth, allow the vessel to create a high-pitched whistle when one blows through the spout. Vibrant orange pigment envelops the surface with ample remains of black and beige pigments. Size: 10.5" W x 8.3" H (26.7 cm x 21.1 cm)

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, before 2010; ex-private Hans Juergen Westermann collection, Germany, acquired in the 1950s to 1960s

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#173726

  • Condition: Still functions as a whistle. Professionally repaired with restoration. Expected surface wear with some nicks, chips, and abrasions. Otherwise, very nice with ample remaining pigments and nice earthen deposits.

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August 4, 2022 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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