Zoomorphic effigy whistle

Artist Unidentified artist

Date3rd century BCE–5th century CE

MediumEarthenware

Dimensions2 15/16 × 2 3/8 × 1 3/4 inches (7.5 × 6 × 4.4 cm)

CultureLa Tolita (Ecuador)

ClassificationsCeramics

Credit LineGift of Thomas Carroll, PhD 1951

Terms

Ecuador
Ceramics
La Tolita
Earthenware
Animals
Monsters
Cats

Object number2006.070.050

Label CopyThis La Tolita ceramic whistle in the shape of a seated snarling animal — with a large rounded helmet-shaped headdress — may represent a feline or monster deity. The elongated head shape is typical of human figurines from this period and may indicate cranial deformation.

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