A Costa Rican Pottery Conch Shell Whistle, ca. 800 - 1500 CE

Although numerous pottery instruments survive from pre-Conquest South and Central America, little is known of how they were used before Spanish invaders ravaged the native cultures. Whistles, trumpets, and rattles in animal or human form probably had ceremonial functions or served as playthings. This small whistle (Ocarina) is in the form of a conch shell with red and black pigment decoration, was perhaps worn suspended from a necklace.  The three finger holes on the body would allow variation in pitch. 

Condition: Fair condition, with losses to the points, one rejoined.

Dimensions: Length: 2 3/4 inches (7 cm)

Provenance: Private DC collection, acquired from the Maryland trade in the 1980s.