Veracruz, Mexico
Veracruz Culture

Unburnished clay
 ca. 600-900 CE
Height: 4 inches (w/o stand)
Aerophones – Wind Instruments Proper – Edge Blown Flutes

A Pre-Columbian whistle molded in the form of a standing priest from the Gulf Coast of Mexico, Veracruz (Vera Cruz) culture.  This hand-made light buff unburnished clay priest whistle was acquired by an Illinois archaeologist:  The signed COA from “The Lands Beyond” gallery in New York, who had acquired it from the archaeologist estate, and from where I purchased it reads: “Registry No. C. 42; October 1970, Veracruz, Mexico 4 ¼” h., molded whistle in the form of a standing priest, of light buff unburnished clay having rear tripodal support. 600-900 AD.  

This priest whistle is in the form of a full figure with ceremonial headdress that resembles a bird with a curved beak and hands that extend out like wings.  Supporting the mask is the clay duct/tube attached in the back that would be inserted into the mouth for blowing, making this a type of ‘Mask-Whistle’.  The role of the whistle during the pre-Columbia time is still being explored and documented.  However, the care and symbolism that went into making this instrument suggest it may have been a virtual instrument used by the priest for signaling or conjuring up the supernatural, for protection in their religion and cultural beliefs.