Whistling Anthropomorphic Vase - Tairona Culture, Colombia 11th-16th Century

Quadripod vase with anthropomorphic motif. terracotta. The Tayronas were a pre-Columbian Amerindian culture occupying the territory of the current department of Magdalena in Colombia, in the Caribe Region. At the time of the Spanish conquest, they lived in the coastal plains, along the Guachaca, Don Diego and Buritaca rivers, and in the current Tayrona National Natural Park. Tairona pottery spans a wide period from 200 BC to 1550 AD. The most frequent production is from the 11th to 16th centuries (like our vase). Pottery not only fulfilled utilitarian functions, but also played an important role in the religious and ritual practices of Tairona society (funeral whistling vases, such as our example. It had a protective function or as a means of communication with the afterlife. Condition (see photos): restored neck - head probably reattached - three reattached feet - a probable restoration at the back.