Terra cotta and dark blue and brown pigment

Whistle

Greek "Siren" Whistle

Greece
Greek

Terra cotta and dark blue and brown pigment
ca. 600-500 B.C.

Height: 3.25 inches

Rare tripod terra cotta whistle in the form of a "Siren." During the 700s and 600s B.C., Greece imported decorated luxury items from the Near East. These luxury items were decorated with images of animals and monsters. The Greeks borrowed from this the idea of producing images in their own art. According to Mike Malter of Malter Galleries, "among these monsters was a half-human, half-bird creature that became linked with the Greek mythological beings known as 'sirens'." This "siren" has an excellent facial design with original dark blue pigment still adorning the beard. The back side and face reveal some original brown pigment. When blown it produces a warm tone.

Owner:
Catalog#: HWMC