Images(2)

Whistling Effigy Jar

Artist Unknown

Datecirca 200 BCE–200 CE

MediumEarthenware; brown unslipped, highly burnished

Dimensionsheight, width, and depth: 8 3/8 × 7 5/8 × 7 5/8 in. (21.3 × 19.4 × 19.4 cm)

ClassificationsCeramics

Credit LineGift of Tobie Surprenant

Object number2004.7

On View

On view

Label TextAncient artisans from present-day northern Peru recreated natural phenomena with their musical instruments. This work features a human figure holding a shell trumpet known as a pututo in Quechua, the Inka language. When air is blown into the mouthpiece of the jar, the nose of the figure makes a wind-like whistling sound.

Musical instruments were always played in humanmade places. The acoustic properties of the architecture of temples and plazas complemented sound-making implements, with the aim to stimulate listeners. Together the surrounding space, smells, dance, music, and chants provided formidable sensorial experiences.
[A. González, "The People's Collection, Reimagined," 2022]ProvenanceCollection of Mr. Tobie Surprenant since the 1950s; given to NCMA 2004Published ReferencesNorth Carolina Museum of Art, "The People's Collection," (Raleigh, NC; North Carolina Museum of Art, 2024), illus. (color) 15.Exhibition HistoryRaleigh, NC, North Carolina Museum of Art, "PARTICIPATE: Activate the Senses," December 18, 2021-July 2, 2022.

Raleigh, NC, North Carolina Museum of Art, "The People's Collection, Reimagined," October 7, 2022–present. Object Rights Statement

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