Pre-Columbian, Northern Peru, Lambayeque, ca. 800 to 1000 CE. While many whistling vessels created by the Lambayeque culture possess two lobes, this example has four! A striking example featuring a shaman with two attendants or prisoners at his sides. The difference in scale between the shaman and his attendants was most likely intentional to demonstrate the relatively higher status of the shaman. He stands atop four conjoined globular chambers, all painted with linear designs that are characteristic of Lambayeque pottery. The shaman is shown donning elaborate regalia including a large, crescent shaped headdress and tunic. The four chambers assume the lozenge shape of fruit with surfaces accented with red stripes delicately painted over a cream slip background. A working whistle is built into the strap handle. Both the strap handle and large, tapered, conical spout are similarly adorned with such striations. A fabulous and unusual example! Size: 7.5" L x 7" W x 6.75" H (19 cm x 17.8 cm x 17.1 cm).

Provenance: Ex-private Tatti collection, New York

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#111958

Shaman and spout reattached. Repairs to strap handle, spout, and shaman as shown. Whistle works well.