Jaina Style Whistle Figurine of a Dwarf (one of a pair)
Jaina-Style Whistle Figurine of a Dwarf (one of a pair)
Maya
About A.D. 600-900
Mexico, Campeche region, possibly Jaina Island
Earthenware with colored pigment
Gift of Mr. William I. Lee, 1985.628B
This Jaina-style whistle figurine, which forms a pair with 1985.628a, depicts a dwarf standing with his feet spread apart and his hands resting on his hips. He is bare-chested, and his clothing is restricted to a simple, wrapped loincloth. He wears a large shell pectoral on his chest, an ornament generally associated with elite individuals. He also wears a padded cotton turban, bound with ribbons and marked with floral jade ornaments. On a third matching figurine (currently housed in a private collection), these bands are painted blue, with the floral elements painted red or pink. Atop the turban is the head of a deer. To sound the whistle, one must blow into a hole located at the back lower edge of the figurine, producing a low, hollow sound.
This figurine is one of a matched pair (see 1985.628a). Both figurines were originally made from the same mold, but differences in their details indicate that each was finished by a different artist. This figurine has a much more finely modeled body, limbs, headdress, and face, suggesting it was finished by a more highly skilled artist than its mate. This figure, for instance, has small, rounded teeth inside his parted lips. This figure's jewelry and headdress are also better made than those of his partner. The delicate detail of the earflares on this example, for instance, contrasts against the heavier bulk of those worn by his mate.
Dwarves and other individuals with unusual, extraordinary, or deformed bodies were considered particularly sacred in the ancient Maya world as they were believed to have been touched by the gods. Dwarves are frequently seen in palace scenes on painted Maya vessels and often interact closely with kings, indicating that they were considered high-status participants in royal life. It is possible that this pair of figurines was intended to accompany a deceased ruler to the Otherworld, ensuring the full participation of his courtiers during his afterlife.
--Lucia R. Henderson, 2016
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