Vicús Pottery Bird Stirrup Spout Whistling Vessel

Pre-Columbian Era, Vicús Culture, c. 500 BC to 600 AD, Piura Region, Peru

This rare and exquisite Vicús pottery bird stirrup spout whistling vessel, dating from approximately 500 BC to 600 AD, is a masterful example of Pre-Columbian craftsmanship from the Piura Region of Peru. Hand-built and highly burnished, the vessel features a large lenticular body surmounted by a striking crested bird's head, which is seamlessly connected to a short conical spout by a gracefully curved strap handle. The vessel is further adorned with a rich red slip and elegant cream-white bands, creating a visually stunning contrast.

Whistling vessels like this were integral to ancient Andean culture, serving both ceremonial and functional roles. These sophisticated two-chambered vessels produce a bird-like twittering sound when liquid is poured between the chambers or when air is blown through the spout, possibly mimicking the calls of local fauna or enhancing ritualistic practices with their melodic tones.

The Vicús culture, which flourished along the northern Peruvian coast, remains an enigmatic yet significant early civilization. Although exact dates remain debated, the culture is generally believed to have emerged between 1000 BC and 200 BC, persisting until approximately 300 AD to 600 AD. Centered around "Cerro Vicús," its strategic location linked it to other Andean societies, fostering trade and cultural exchange. Agriculture formed the backbone of the Vicús economy, with advanced irrigation systems supporting the cultivation of squash, maize, and various fruits. Livestock and hunting supplemented their agrarian lifestyle.

Renowned for their mastery in ceramics, copper, and gold, Vicús artisans created works of striking aesthetic and technical sophistication. Their ceramics exhibit influences from the Salinar and Gallizano cultures, as well as Ecuadorian traditions, setting them apart with distinctive forms, bold sculptural elements, and intricate painted decorations. While sharing certain iconographic motifs with the Moche civilization, Vicús pottery is distinguished by its unique color palettes, modeling techniques, and surface embellishments.

This whistling vessel, with its elegant form and remarkable sound-producing capabilities, offers a glimpse into the artistry, spiritual beliefs, and daily life of the Vicús people, preserving the echoes of an ancient civilization that once thrived along the Andean coastline.

Excellent condition. Intact. Surface wear and abrasions commensurate with age and use, with fading to some finer features, and light encrustations within recessed areas. Nice earthen deposits throughout. Size approx. 20,0cm x 16,0cm x 17,0cm.

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.

For a similar examples see:

Vessel; Whistle, The British Museum, Accession Number: Am1967,08.5 (https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/E_Am1967-08-5)

Effigy Stirrup Spout Vessel with Resist Paint, The Brooklyn Museum, Accession Number: 78.118.37 (https://www.brooklynmuseum.org/opencollection/objects/104425)