Chimú Blackware Phytomorphic Stirrup Spout Whistling Vessel

Pre-Columbian era, Chimú culture, c. 800-1470AD, Moche Valley, Trujillo, Peru.

Important, rare and unusual phytomorphic blackware whistling vessel depicting a seed or a kernel. A delightful mold-formed pottery vessel exhibiting a horizontal seed-form body with a conical protrusion on one side, stirrup-shaped handle and a cylindrical spout with whistle projecting from the center, all supported by a flared foot. The whistling jar is a one or two-chambered vessel in which a whistle, is sounded by blowing into the spout, or by pouring liquid from one chamber to the other to create a bird-like twittering sound.

The Chimú ceramics fullfilled both functions, for daily use of household and for ceremonial offerings. Pottery types tended to be standardized, with quantity production, made on molds, and generally of a plain black ware. The pottery were fired in a kiln deprived of oxygen, causing the iron compounds in the clay to turn black. Lighter ceramics were also produced in smaller quantities. The characteristic brightness was obtained by rubbing with rock that previously had been polished. Many animals, fruits, characters, and mystical entities have been represented pictorially on Chimú ceramics. 

Excellent condition. Intact. Age-related minor wear. Size approx. 13,5cm x 8,5cm x 18,0cm.

Provenance: According to information, from the collection of Paul Ragnar Wedendal Sr. & Paul Wedendal Jr. Wedendal Sr. acquired Pre-Columbian art during his travels in the 1940s-1950s.