South America,Costa Rica and Guatemala, all pre-1000 CE. First, from Ecuador, hand-built pottery whistle assuming the visage of a dwarf in transformation to animal or bird. Humans of such petite physical stature were believed to have been touched by the supernatural among Pre-Columbian cultures. 2-1/2"L, Next, monkey form whistle from the Mayan territories. Brownware showing monkey in squatting position. 2" H. Finally, redware whistle in the form of a bird. 1-3/4" H. All whistles fully functioning!

Provenance: Ex Adeon Gallery, Chicago, IL; and Ex Boston Museum of Fine Arts

All items in this auction are legal to buy/sell under U.S. statute covering cultural patrimony per United States Code 2600, CHAPTER 14 -- CONVENTION ON CULTURAL PROPERTY, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

Chip on the nose to Ecuadoran example, Mayan with worn features, bird intact and excellent., else intact,