2002.95.146: Zoomorphic flute or whistle

Identification and Creation

Object Number

2002.95.146

Title

Zoomorphic flute or whistle

Classification

Sculpture

Work Type

sculpture

Persistent Link

https://hvrd.art/o/95349

Physical Descriptions

Medium

Terracotta

Technique

Mixed technique

Dimensions

5.3 × 3.7 × 7.6 cm (2 1/16 × 1 7/16 × 3 in.)

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line

Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Gift of Paul J. Haldeman

Accession Year

2002

Object Number

2002.95.146

Division

Asian and Mediterranean Art

Contact

am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu

Permissions

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Descriptions

Description

Almost complete flute or whistle; missing right ear.

Simple flute in the form of a quadruped. Small round head with short, perked-up ears, large round eyes made of clay pallets, and a long, pointy snout. Smooth, ovoid body, with four stumpy legs. The tail protrudes away from the body in a line with the animal’s spine; disproportionately large, especially when compared to the small head, it functions as the mouthpiece. In addition to the hole at the mouthpiece, this flute has a thumb hole under the tail, and a smaller finger hole at the chest, above the right foreleg. Should produce at least two distinct notes.

Washed-out white ground, with red and black abstract cross-hatched decoration. If not abstract, design could be a stylized saddle with two bags hanging on either side.

Mostly hollow. Mold-made head and body; handmade legs and tail.

Verification Level