Human-form Whistle Figurine

Human-form Whistle Figurine

300 BC-AD 500
Culture
Greater Nicoya
Country
Costa Rica
Style/Tradition
Guinea Incised Unincised Variety
Object
whistle
Medium
Modeled tan clay with slip, colored brown through reduction firing techniques, and applique decoration.
Accession Number
1995.490
Credit Line
Gift of Frederick and Jan Mayer
Human-form Whistle Figurine. 300 BC-AD 500. Modeled tan clay with slip, colored brown through reduction firing techniques, and applique decoration.. Gift of Frederick and Jan Mayer. 1995.490.
Dimensions
height: 2. 1/8 in, 212.5000 cm; width: 1 3/4 in, 4.4450 cm; depth: 1 1/4 in, 3.1750 cm
Department
Mayer Center, Arts of the Ancient Americas
Collection
Arts of the Ancient Americas

This figure holds a vessel atop the right shoulder and touches their belly with the left hand. The face has wide set eyes, a large mouth, and a pug nose; the only costume is a circular cap. A blowhole in the back and an aperture in the rear support transform this simply modeled figurine into a whistle.

Known Provenance
(Enrique Vargas-Alfaro) [1915-2008], San Jose, Costa Rica and Atlanta, GA; Purchased by Frederick R. [1928-2007] and Jan Mayer, Denver, CO, October 1969 [1]; Gifted to the Denver Art Museum, 1995 [1] On loan to the Denver Art Museum, 1992

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