Pre-Columbian, Mexico, Aztec Empire, ca. 1400 to 1521 CE. In my career spanning 30+ years this is the first and only authentic example of an Aztec death whistle I have ever held in my hands. Rarer than rare and more terrifying than any artifact we have ever handled. This small but mighty whistle is able to emit a horrifying screech at over 110 decibels. The sound can best be described as the scream of a dozen teenage zombies all at the top of their lungs, all in unison. In the form of a smiling human skull and with an ingenious design that maximizes the sound and terror factor. Size: 2" W x 2" H (5.1 cm x 5.1 cm)

There are two schools of thought concerning the application of such a whistle. The first, and perhaps most obvious, is that this whistle was carried around the neck by Aztec warriors and blown in unison as they attacked their enemies. Armies since the beginning of time have used psychological warfare and screams, drums and loud sounds have always been a part of this effort to unnerve the enemy. If you picture a hundred warriors each blowing this as they charged, it takes little imagination to see the opposing armies fleeing like scared children. The second theory is that this whistle was blown after the death of someone of importance - to the clan, the village or the family. The sound is so woeful that it can certainly be heard well into the afterlife.

This piece will appear on Pawn Stars (along with yours truly), season 20 - 2022.

Provenance: private Superior, Colorado, USA collection, ex MS collection, San Diego, Ca before 1990

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#175692

Intact and choice with nice manganese deposits throughout.