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Human effigy whistle
Carchi
A.D. 1000–1400
Object Place: Ecuador, North Coast
Medium/Technique
Earthenware: unslipped
Dimensions
8.2 x 5.6 x 4.3 cm (3 1/4 x 2 3/16 x 1 11/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of William and Shirley Epstein
Accession Number1995.746
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAmericas, Musical Instruments
ClassificationsMusical instruments – Aerophones
DescriptionSeated human effigy whistle. The figure's hands either rest on his/her bended knees or grasp her breasts. She(?) wears a wide collar or necklace perhaps composed of multiple strings of tubular beads and a typical wide nose ring and elongated ear ornaments. The fan-shaped headdress has been reconstructed in modern times, the only original section being that directly above the face.
ProvenanceAcquired from dealers in Ecuador or Peru by William and Shirley Epstein in the 1960's; to MFA, November 1995, gift of William and Shirley Epstein.