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Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Chimu, ca. 1470 to 1532 CE. A blackware double-chambered whistling vessel comprised of two mold-made bottles, the rear one with a conical spout, the other with a blind spout modeled topped by a bird – perhaps a parrot or a seabird – front and back containers bridged by an arched, hollow handle. In the Pre-Columbian world, birds were regarded as sky animals associated with the sun, moon, and Venus – where they served as messengers between humankind and the deities. Of particular importance were the eagle, parrot, and hummingbird. The beak of the bird depicted on this example are closest to those of a parrot. Parrots were and continue to be revered by the ancients of South America. Their brilliant plumage and ability to fly high above the treeline made them ideal incarnations of the sky deities; hence they are thought to be endowed with supernatural powers of celestial origin. Size: 8″ L x 7.25″ H (20.3 cm x 18.4 cm)
Condition: Chips to rim of spout and one side of handle. Probe holes on same side of each circular chamber. Amazing silvery iridescence to the black surface.
Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-Carolyn and Walter Foxworth collection
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