Pre-Columbian, Central Coast Peru, Chimu, ca. 1100 to 1470 CE. A delightful blackware whistle vessel in the form of 2 barrel-shaped chambers topped by a monkey on one side and a spout on the other. Crouching forward, the monkey holds his hands to head as a ribbon-form bridge handle projects from his back, connecting him to the towering, conical spout. This simian may be a reference to a Chimu myth of a primordial couple who were given a container of water by a creator god; they broke the vessel, and the gushing water became the sea. In punishment, the man was turned into a monkey, and the woman into a fox. The animal may also be intended as a capuchin monkey, known for its clever behavior. The musical element of this vessel once served to deter thieves by producing a whistle when its contents were displaced, but now one can blow into the spout to create a lovely, high-pitched sound! Size: 3.2" L x 5.4" W x 7" H (8.1 cm x 13.7 cm x 17.8 cm)

Provenance: private Leonard collection, Virginia, USA, acquired in Peru in the 1970s

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#180473

Still functions as a whistle. Professionally repaired at spout with some minor chipping along visible break line. Light surface wear with nicks and abrasions as shown, but otherwise very nice presentation with scattered earthen deposits.