Pre-Columbian, Southern Mexico to Guatemala, Maya, Late Classic Period, ca. 550 to 900 CE. A magnificent trumpet carved from a massive conch shell and incised with geometric patterns. The apex tip of the spire was sliced away and polished to form the mouthpiece and remains of pale red, perhaps cinnabar, covers this area. The exterior surface decorated with registers of circles enclosed with linear markings that course along the body whorl and column. At the chamber opening is a drilled suspension hole for a cord to carry this instrument. Conch shell trumpets were used to announce victorious hunters returning and rituals, such as human sacrifice. Shell imagery was deeply symbolic to the Maya; shells came from the sea, which was the primordial space from which the world of humans originated and the watery underworld, Xibalba. They also seem to have been closely connected to ideas of wind, moisture, and breath- the musician's lifeforce breath transformed into a powerful musical sound. Size: 12" L x 7" Diameter (30.5 cm x 17.8 cm); 9" H (22.9 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, 1995 to 2010; ex-Arte Primitivo, New York, New York, USA

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#171703

Earthen and mineral deposits throughout and root marks. Chip to mouth opening on apex. Surface abrasions and pitting. Mineral and earthen encrustations to body whorl as shown. Not tested for functionality, and not recommended due to possible cinnabar presence near mouthpiece.