Pre-Columbian, Ecuador, Chorrera, ca. 1200 BCE. Large and early pottery vessel of the Chorrera culture, a Late Formative indigenous culture of pre-Columbian Ecuador. Witness this bound captive awaiting a very unpleasant fate. Buff pottery covered in red slip, hands bound behind him, face looking downward as if resigned to his impending execution. Interestingly, a whistle emerges from the top of his head, the bottom-tipped spout acting as the mouthpiece - although the vessel is designed to whistle when liquid is poured from it - alerting the owner that his precious liquor is being taken. A large 10-1/2" H by 5-3/4" W.

Provenance: Ex-private collection of a Hollywood director who acquired in the early 1990s from Ron Messick Gallery, Santa Fe, NM

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One leg reattached. Surface wear as shown. Otherwise, excellent condition overall.