Whistle Item Number: 2979/9 a-b from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Clay whistle in the form of a head, with a separate clay alligator headdress (part b). The head features a face with large protruding nose and lips, mouth slightly open. They eyes are incised slits. The centre of the face is painted black. The head is hollow, with a large rectangular whistle hole carved in the back. The alligator headdress (part b) shows a wide face with protruding eyes, narrowing to a slender snout holding two rows of prominent teeth. On its head the alligator has an orb surrounded by feathers(?). The underside of the headdress is hollowed into a smooth half sphere. A small hole pierces the clay from underside to centre of forehead on the front. The head has breaks at the top and sides. The headdress has had the left side detached and repaired with glue.
Narrative
Uncertain if the figure is a replica, or from the period 600-1000 C.E., or perhaps a piece from both.
Item History
- Made in Veracruz, Mexico between 600 and 1000
- Collected during 1955
- Owned by Jonathan A. Levin before September 10, 2012
- Received from Jonathan A. Levin (Donor) on September 10, 2012
What
Who
- Culture
- Totonac ? or Huastec ?
- Previous Owner
- Jonathan A. Levin
- Received from
- Jonathan A. Levin (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Veracruz, Mexico
When
- Creation Date
- between 600 and 1000
- Collection Date
- during 1955
- Ownership Date
- before September 10, 2012
- Acquisition Date
- on September 10, 2012
Other
- Item Classes
- ceramics
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 2979/0009 a-b