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Maker(s):Unknown
Culture:Pre-Columbian, Chimú
Title:Double-chambered whistling vessel with Moche humanoid monkey
Date Made:1470-1530
Type:Ceramic
Materials:burnished blackware terracotta
Place Made:South America; Peru; North Coast
Measurements:Overall: 5 13/16 in x 7 7/16 in; 14.8 cm x 18.9 cm
Accession Number:  AC 1991.50
Credit Line:Gift of Donald Finberg (Class of 1953)
Museum Collection:  Mead Art Museum at Amherst College
1991-50.jpg

Label Text:
Joined at the side by a ring of clay, these connected vessels are nearly identical—only the small monkey figure curving over the closed second spout sets them apart visually. Peruvian double-chambered vessels were never intended to remain stationary; human intervention alone could activate such objects in a ritualistic context. Known as “whistling jars,” these vessels are “performed” ceremonially as liquid pours through the open spout and into the first chamber. Tipping the vessel fills the second chamber, sending gusts of air rushing through a small hole in the monkey-topped spout to create a whistling sound.
KS, 2014

Tags:
utensils; decoration and ornament; monkeys

Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=AC+1991.50

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