Pre-Columbian, Gulf Coast of Mexico, Veracruz (Vera Cruz) culture, ca. 500 to 700 BCE. A mold-formed ceramic figure with a pair of conical legs and a tubular whistle mouthpiece on the verso. The standing bird-headed figure wears a simple waistband with a hanging front panel and a pair of large, pattern-molded shoulder panels displaying abstract simian figures. A long, conical beak, impressed circular eyes within heavy sockets, a crested brow, and discoid ear spools define the avian visage, and a pecked headband encircles the base of a prominent crest adorned with vertical striations. When played, this whistle produces a high-pitched sound. Size: 2.2" W x 4.75" H (5.6 cm x 12.1 cm).

Provenance: private Southern California, USA collection, acquired in the 1970s to mid-1980s

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#140837

Repair to figure's left foot and whistle mouthpiece with small chips and some resurfacing along break lines. Minor nicks to beak tip, base, body, and head, with softening tome some finer details. Light earthen deposits throughout.