Chimú
Whistling bottle effigy
Chimu, 1000-1499
Scroll
Chimú
Whistling bottle effigy
Chimu, 1000-1499
Physical Qualities
Earthenware, reduced brown, 6 5/8 × 7 1/2 × 4 1/2 in. (16.8 × 19.1 × 11.4 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of A. Harvey and Phyllis K. Schreter, Baltimore
Object Number
1983.179
This example of a mold-made, double-chambered bottle with human effigy is among the most common Chimú ceramic vessel. One chamber shows a lord or chief with double-pointed cap, disc ear spools, and embossed tunic. His upraised arms, positioned at the collar, are carved in low relief. The rear of the chamber shows the lord's loose hair and raised dot attire. A small hole at his cap that pierces the vessel wall indicates that the bottle will whistle when both chambers are filled with liquid. This example lacks the hole.
The second, attached chamber bears a spout and is embellished with raised dots on one side and a textile pattern on the other.
The Baltimore Museum of Art by gift, 1983; A. Harvey Schreter, Baltimore, by purchase, no later than 1971
