Two Bird Spouted Whistling Vessel (OMC 1960.806.001)

A whistling vessel, often known as a whistling jar or whistling bottle, is a 1or 2-chambered vesselin which a hole is often concealed in the head of the animal.  

It is from the Chimu Kingdom that existed in present-day Peru. The Chimu kingdom arose around 900 CE.  

At its peak, approximately 12,000 artisans lived in Chan Chan, the capital of the Chimu kingdom. Potters worked in specialized workshops producing distinctive blackware pottery. The iconic blackware was achieved by reducing the amount of oxygen in the kiln when fired. The pottery has both glossy and matte finishes. 

This item was brought back from Peru by International Driller John Braybook. 

To learn more about artifacts similar to this one visit the University of Missouri and The British Museum's sites.