Pre-Columbian, southern Mexico and northern Central America, Mayan Territories, Late Classic period, ca. 550 to 900 CE. A fascinating terracotta whistle in the form of a human-bodied god with a long snout and zoomorphic face - perhaps representative of the canine god Xolotl, who is sometimes given a torch to carry in Mayan codices. This example is seated, with large earrings and necklace, and holds a tall, cylindrical object on its back with a strap around the forehead, cargador-style. At the top of this is a rounded projection perhaps representing a huge torch. Xolotl is the lightning deity, asssociated with death and storms. Size: 4.7" L x 3" W x 6.3" H (11.9 cm x 7.6 cm x 16 cm)

Provenance: private San Francisco, California USA collection

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#125876

Repaired and restored from two large pieces. Tiny chip from top of torch. Form and details are clear, with nice manganese deposits on surface.