Chimú
Whistling bottle effigy
Chimú, 999-1469
Scroll
Chimú
Whistling bottle effigy
Chimú, 999-1469
Physical Qualities
Earthenware, reduced black, 7 1/2 in. (19 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Frank H. McElhaney
Object Number
1957.65
This example of a mold-made, double-chambered bottle with human effigy is among the most common Chimú ceramic vessel. One chamber shows the Lord of Sicán with double-rayed cap, disc ear spools, collar, and embossed tunic. His upraised arms, positioned at the collar, are carved in low relief. Some lords hold an object. In this example, the lord holds a small baton in his proper right hand. 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.
The second, attached chamber bears a spout and is embellished with raised dots on one side and a textile pattern on the other.
