Barakat Gallery
Skip to main content
  • Menu
  • Home
  • Artworks
  • Exhibitions
  • About
  • Contact
Menu
  • Menu

The Barakat Collection

Open a larger version of the following image in a popup: Mayan Terracotta Figural Whistle, 300 CE - 900 CE
Open a larger version of the following image in a popup: Mayan Terracotta Figural Whistle, 300 CE - 900 CE
Open a larger version of the following image in a popup: Mayan Terracotta Figural Whistle, 300 CE - 900 CE

Mayan Terracotta Figural Whistle, 300 CE - 900 CE

Terracotta
5.25
PF.6199
Enquire
%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22title_and_year%22%3E%3Cspan%20class%3D%22title_and_year_title%22%3EMayan%20Terracotta%20Figural%20Whistle%3C/span%3E%2C%20%3Cspan%20class%3D%22title_and_year_year%22%3E300%20CE%20%20-%20%20900%20CE%3C/span%3E%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22medium%22%3ETerracotta%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22dimensions%22%3E5.25%3C/div%3E

Further images

  • (View a larger image of thumbnail 1 ) Thumbnail of additional image
  • (View a larger image of thumbnail 2 ) Thumbnail of additional image
  • (View a larger image of thumbnail 3 ) Thumbnail of additional image
Originally, scholars once believed that such whistles were essentially toys. Perhaps their figural quality reinforced this misconception. Once such whistles were believed to be simple signaling objects or items for...
Read more
Originally, scholars once believed that such whistles were essentially toys. Perhaps their figural quality reinforced this misconception. Once such whistles were believed to be simple signaling objects or items for children to play with. However, recently, scholars have begun to realize the true importance of these whistles. When tombs were excavated containing over a dozen such whistles buried next to a ruler, suddenly historians confronted the fact that they were not dealing with playthings. In fact the various whistling implements of the Pre-Columbian Americas are as diverse as they are technically advanced. This little whistle is one of the more basic types. Essentially, it is a sculpture with a whistling leg attached onto the concave back. This whistle takes the form of a costumed warrior or shaman. He wears an elaborate headdress, parts of which have broken off, and holds a thick spear. A hole carved into the top of his headdress reveals that this whistle would have once been worn around the neck. Today, Mayan scholars believe that whistles, and music for that matter, played an integral part of Mayan religious ceremonies. This whistle might have sounded its tone in order to commemorate the deceased during a funeral procession. Thus, the work would have been buried alongside the body upon arriving at the grave. This is just one of the theories that attempts to explain the significance of such musical devices. Although no written records survive detailin the significance of these whistles, the works themselves are an ample testimony to the craftsmanship and technical mastery of ancient Mayan sculptors and instrument makers.
Close full details
Share
  • Facebook
  • X
  • Pinterest
  • Tumblr
  • Email
Previous
|
Next
8688 
of  28197

London

48 Albemarle Street,

London, W1S 4JW

info@barakatgallery.eu 

 

       


 

CONTACT | TEAM | PRESS 

 

Seoul
58-4, Samcheong-ro,
Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82 02 730 1949
barakat@barakat.kr
             

 

Los Angeles

941 N La Cienega Blvd
Los Angeles CA 90069
+1 310 859 8408

contact@barakatgallery.com

  


 

 

Facebook, opens in a new tab.
Instagram, opens in a new tab.
Send an email
View on Google Maps
Manage cookies
Copyright © 2025 Barakat Gallery
Site by Artlogic


Manage cookies
Accept

Cookie preferences

Check the boxes for the cookie categories you allow our site to use

Cookie options
Required for the website to function and cannot be disabled.
Improve your experience on the website by storing choices you make about how it should function.
Allow us to collect anonymous usage data in order to improve the experience on our website.
Allow us to identify our visitors so that we can offer personalised, targeted marketing.
Save preferences
Close

Join our mailing list

Sign Up

* denotes required fields