Costa Rico, Mesoamerica
Diquis zone of southern Costa Rica

Ceramic
ca. 800 to 1200 CE
Length: 2.5 in
Aerophones – Wind Instruments Proper – Edge-blown Flutes

A small pottery whistle in the form of a seated bird (avian). This Costa Rica whistle from the Diquis zone of southern Costa Rica, features bulging eyes, large breasts, and a small, pointed beak.  The painted soften black outline of the wings, eyes, and geometric bands wrapped around the tail and neck, and the painted soften red and tan attest to age and long burial.

This bird whistle has two fingerholes on the breast, that allows variation of pitch.  The end of the tail has a whistle hole that serves as the mouthpiece.  Sometimes, the sound it creates mimics the creature represented; however little is known about how they were used.  This whistle still functions quite well.

Artemis Gallery   COA