Whistle Item Number: 2956/120 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Small ceramic rooster shaped whistle in pink with a large red comb and a blue base. Floral and polka dot design on the body.
Narrative
Since the 19th century, pottery toys from Barcelos have become ubiquitous throughout Portugal. Today they are more elaborate than the whistles and figures first written about by travellers more than a century ago.
Iconographic Meaning
Domingos Côto (1877–1959) made the first rooster in 1935. They soon became the emblematic image of Portugal, buoyed by their popularity and the dictatorship’s enthusiasm for creating a uniquely Portuguese rural decorative style. Ubiquitous toy whistles, widely commented on in the 19th century, sometimes also took the form of roosters. The rooster embodies often stated Portuguese characteristics such as honesty, integrity, trust, and humour.
Item History
- Made in Barcelos, Braga, Portugal during 2006
- Collected by Anthony A. Shelton in Portugal between 2011 and 2012
- Owned by Anthony A. Shelton before September 17, 2012
- Received from Museum of Anthropology Exhibitions Budget (Funding source) and Anthony A. Shelton (Seller) on September 17, 2012
What
Who
- Culture
- Portuguese
- Field Collector
- Anthony A. Shelton
- Previous Owner
- Anthony A. Shelton
- Received from
- Museum of Anthropology Exhibitions Budget (Funding source) and Anthony A. Shelton (Seller)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Barcelos, Braga, Portugal
- Collected in
- Portugal
When
- Creation Date
- during 2006
- Collection Date
- between 2011 and 2012
- Ownership Date
- before September 17, 2012
- Acquisition Date
- on September 17, 2012
Other
- Item Classes
- ceramics
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 2956/0120