Whistle in the form of a Dignitary; Island of Jaina style. Figure stands with arms crossed and feet spread well apart. The costume consists of a short, two-tiered skirt with a wide panel descending to feet in center front. Stylized hair with feathered headdress, pectoral, earrings. The face is well modelled, with arched nose and flattened brow. A whistle, modelled in left shoulder blade, makes clear musical note when blown. Painted in blue, red, black,and white. An unusually fine example.

Whistle, 600-900

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Ceramic, pigmentexpand_more

The John R. Van Derlip Fundexpand_more  47.2.5

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This elaborate whistle takes the form of a high-ranking Mayan man. The figure's face, arms, and legs are painted red in imitation of the iron oxide paints used to adorn elite community members. His carefully rendered garments illustrate the traditional elements of early Mayan prestige dress: a short layered skirt, long apron (tilma), elaborate headdress, and distinctive earrings.

The distinctive profile of this figure also reflects physical alterations practiced by elite Maya males of this era to achieve an ideal of physical beauty. Babies' heads were bound to flatten and elongate them, in an effort to align the forehead with the tip of the nose. Hair was plucked to raise the hairline and add to the illusion of elongation. Prostheses were sometimes worn on the bridge of the nose to further assist in creating the desired profile.

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Maya, Whistle in Form of a Dignitary (#404)
Details
Title
Whistle
Role
Artist
Accession Number
47.2.5
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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Whistle in the form of a Dignitary; Island of Jaina style. Figure stands with arms crossed and feet spread well apart. The costume consists of a short, two-tiered skirt with a wide panel descending to feet in center front. Stylized hair with feathered headdress, pectoral, earrings. The face is well modelled, with arched nose and flattened brow. A whistle, modelled in left shoulder blade, makes clear musical note when blown. Painted in blue, red, black,and white. An unusually fine example.