Pre-Columbian, Northern Peru, Lambayeque Valley, Middle Sican-Lambayeque culture, ca. 900 to 1100 CE. A wonderful pottery whistle vessel comprised of 2 cuboid chambers connected via an ovoid tunnel. One chamber is topped by a tall, conical spout and the other with 4 figures, perhaps engaged in a ritual procession, all enveloped in vibrant red slip. Three of the figures stand wearing hemispherical caps and holding square shields and long war staffs that each terminate in a conical finial. They all surround a smaller figure in the center who wears a flat headdress and appears to be squatting. A slender stirrup handle connects the back of one of the taller figures to the spout on the other chamber. Blow through the spout to produce a soft whistling sound! Size: 9" L x 4.75" W x 7" H (22.9 cm x 12.1 cm x 17.8 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-Ashland University Museum, Ashland, Ohio, USA, donated to Ashland University between July 1994 to December 1998

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#166374

Still functions as a whistle. One figure missing proper left arm. Repaired from several pieces with restoration. A few break lines still visible. Expected surface wear with light softening of detail to figures, as well as a few nicks and abrasions throughout. TL drill holes beneath base and on back of one figure.