Whistle in the Form of Two Human Figures

Culture: Tembladera
Period: Early Horizon period, c.900–200 BCE
Date: c.700–400 BCE
Material: Ceramic with pigment
made in: Peru, South America
Classification: Ceramics, musical instruments
Collection: Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas
Current Location: Not on view
Dimensions: 7 5/16 x 3 9/16 x 1 15/16 in. (18.5 x 9 x 5 cm)
Credit Line: Gift of Morton D. May
Rights: Public Domain
Object Number: 186:1979

NOTES

In this ceramic whistle, the figures of a man (left) and a woman (right) join together to make music. These two individuals share a single body, each contributing an arm and a leg, creating a balanced whole. The male and female halves are distinguished by their clothing, which differs according to fit and decoration. Their facial painting, which may designate their ethnic affiliations, is also reminiscent of textile patterns.

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