**First Time At Auction**

Pre-Columbian, Northern Peru, Lambayeque Valley, Middle Sican-Lambayeque culture, ca. 900 to 1100 CE. A charming pottery stirrup whistle vessel displaying a cuboid body, a conical spout, and a strip-form handle, all sitting upon a concave, circular base. Boasting a lustrous burnish over a deep black glaze, the lovely vessel features a petite figure sitting atop it. Perhaps a lord, the fascinating figure sits with hands on his knees beneath a slanted roof supported by 2 columns. He is adorned with an elaborate headdress and 2 enormous, annular earspools. The wonderful vessel still produces a lovely musical whistle when one blows through the spout! Size: 8" L x 3.875" W x 7.5" H (20.3 cm x 9.8 cm x 19 cm)

This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) analysis and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full report will accompany purchase.

Provenance: ex-Stein collection, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, USA, acquired January 4, 2002; ex-Haig's of Rochester, Rochester, Michigan, USA

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#164229

Still functioning as a whistle. TL holes to base and underside of handle. Loss to base on one side. Repairs with some possible restoration, as well as restoration over break lines to spout, handle, and roof of figure. Some nicks, scratches, and abrasions throughout, commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellent.