Fragment of a terracotta whistle depicting a stylized human head with a large headdress and expressive facial features, likely from a Pre-Columbian Mesoamerican culture.
Dimensions:
Height: 7.5 cm
Width: 9 cm
Depth: 6.5 cm
Longer Description:
This object is a partial terracotta whistle effigy representing a human head, characterized by a broad face with a joyful expression and an elaborate headdress or helmet. The figure exhibits pronounced, curled lips and closed eyes, conveying a possibly ceremonial or theatrical expression.
The hole at the top indicates its original use as a whistle or wind instrument—common in many Pre-Columbian Mesoamerican cultures such as the Zapotecs, Maya, or Veracruz. These musical or ritual objects were often used during ceremonies, festivals, or funerary rites.
The weathering, patina, and fracture lines show age and suggest it was excavated or unearthed rather than made recently. The piece appears to be hand-built, with decorative incising around the facial features. Despite the visible restoration cracks, the figure retains much of its character and archaeological significance.