Pre-Columbian, Mexico, Vera Cruz, ca. 600 to 900 CE. A striking terracotta whistle modeled to depict the head of an elaborately decorated warrior who wears a grand headdress featuring a bird whose face and feathers are painted with black bitumen, with rising tailfeathers behind, perched above the warrior's shock of black (also bitumen painted) fringed bangs that dramatically sweep to one side. The figure's visage is stern with long, narrow black bitumen painted eyes, a protruding nose, and closed full lips. This serious expression is framed by the helmet strap and huge round ear ornaments. Behind is the whistle mechanism, making this piece not only aesthetically and iconographically exciting, but musical as well. Size: 4.25" W x 5.375" H (10.8 cm x 13.7 cm)

Provenance: ex-Adeon Gallery, Chicago, Illinois, USA, acquired prior to 1970

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#122932

Losses to headdress and bird's crest. Stable fissures, which most likely occurred during firing, around nose and mouthpiece. Nice mineral deposits scattered on surface. Overall, a wonderful piece of sculpture, and the whistle works well.