Pre-Columbian, Western Mexico, Colima, ca. 300 BCE to 300 CE. A marvelous group of four hand-built pottery flutes, each boasting a long, cylindrical form with a tapered mouthpiece. First, the longest is enveloped in a creamy peach-hued glaze and features a zoomorphic head for a mouthpiece, with large ears flanking the embouchure hole and an extended snout followed by two applied horizontal bands of clay. Four pitch or key holes are near the end of the instruments. The second, though smaller and enveloped in a shade of light red, displays a nearly identical form, but with three pitch holes. Showcasing a deep shade of burnt sienna beneath a lustrous burnish, the third flute exhibits a mouthpiece that curves upward and is fit with a black resin stopper. Its body is pierced with four blow holes and narrows towards the end where it then flares out in a lovely floral motif. Size of largest: 8.875" in diameter x 0.9" W (22.5 cm x 2.3 cm)

The last ancient instrument showcases a black surface adorned with six anthropomorphic faces and an incised zigzag design. Four annular key holes lay at the end of the piece.

Provenance: private Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA collection; ex-Dr. David Harner collection, Springdale, Arkansas, USA, acquired between the 1950s and 1960s; ex-Dr. Matrisciano, Malter Galleries Inc., Encino California, USA

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#163576

All are functional besides floral flute with stopper. Longest has chip to end. Second longest has had end repaired from several pieces with restoration over break lines and two chips to rim of end. Floral flute has three chips to flower and has been repaired from at least four pieces with break lines visible. All have some expected nicks, abrasions, and scratches, commensurate with age and use. Otherwise, very nice with lovely remaining pigments and rich earthen deposits throughout.