**First Time At Auction**

Pre-Columbian, Costa Rica, Guanacaste / Nicoya, ca. 600 to 800 CE. A delightful handmade pottery figural whistle of a seated female decorated with intricate geometric motifs in shades of black and red on a pale orange ground. The ancient figure is positioned in a particularly expressive stance with both hands on her hips and her legs, which lay before her, angled inward. Two enormous black eyes dominate her eloquent visage, which consists of a prominent brow, a bulbous nose with a recessed nasal bridge, and full lips, held slightly open and angled to one side. A painted loin cloth hangs at her waist, just below two circular breasts. Her verso features five petite apertures which one can blow through to play a wonderful whistling tune! Size: 4" W x 5.5" H (10.2 cm x 14 cm)

Provenance: ex-Phoenicia Holyland Antiquities, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010

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#162579

Whistle still functions. Head has been reattached with break line visible and some small losses near fissure. Break to pottery loop behind neck. Expected surface wear with light nicks/chips and abrasions commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellent with lovely earthen deposits and nice remaining pigments.