Whistle in the Form of a Seated Figure

This small whistle takes the form of a seated woman, who crosses her legs and rests her hands on her knees. The work’s delicate features are characteristic of ceramic figurines found at Jaina, an island in the Campeche region of present-day Mexico. Facial scarification and prominent adornments in her ears and around her neck and wrists indicate she was a member of the Maya aristocracy, as does her layered headdress of wrapped fabric with tassels. The opening to the whistle chamber is visible on the figure’s back.