Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Moche, ca. 200 to 600 CE. A wonderful example of a conch shell trumpet, modeled from terracotta in lovely cream hues. The interior cavity surface is covered with a red pigment and the exterior has spiraling incised lines to mimic the ridges of a conch shell. This musical instrument served as a "blow conch" of the ancient Moche peoples and the perforation on the pointed spire was the mouth piece. A drilled perforation through the lip of the shell could serve for suspension. This is a superb piece of musical history and has been exhibited at the Phoenix Musical Museum. Size: 7.5" L x 5" H (19 cm x 12.7 cm)

Provenance: ex-private New York collection; ex-T. Meisenhimer collection; ex- Ron Messick Gallery, acquired prior to 1994; exhibited at the Phoenix Musical Museum, acquired in 2000

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#107335

Stable hairline fissure radiating across the top. Surface wear commensurate with age. Mineral deposits and rich pigments.