CLAY DOG THAT IS ALSO A WHISTLE; S. AMERICAN(?) TRIBAL OR WEEK-END POTTER?

Discussion in 'Antique Discussion' started by journeymagazine, Feb 18, 2019.

  1. journeymagazine

    journeymagazine Well-Known Member

    I found this small (approx. 6" x 4") dog made of clay at a local estate sale yesterday. If you blow in the tail it whistles.
    I've seen this before in a different form, but this one is so...exaggerated - that I wanted to be sure what/if anything I had. (That isn't a diamond "grill" on his teeth, is it?!)
    Also note the tribal(?) design on back above tail?
    Thanks!

    COLLECTIBLE POTTERY DOG WHISTLE 1AA.JPG COLLECTIBLE POTTERY DOG WHISTLE 2AA.JPG COLLECTIBLE POTTERY DOG WHISTLE 3AA.JPG COLLECTIBLE POTTERY DOG WHISTLE 4AA.JPG collectible pottery dog whistle 5aa.JPG COLLECTIBLE POTTERY DOG WHISTLE 5CAA.JPG COLLECTIBLE POTTERY DOG WHISTLE 6AA.JPG
     
  2. antidiem

    antidiem Well-Known Member

    wag : Guatemala
     
  3. Taupou

    Taupou Well-Known Member

    It's actually an ocarina, rather than a whistle, since it produces more than one note (by alternately covering the holes on the side.)

    I'd say it's a contemporary interpretation of a Pre-Columbian-inspired design.

    I collect old ceramic/clay/porcelain whistles from all over the world, and have never seen this exact whistle, but have some Mexican ones that are very similar. The incised designs, and red/green/white colors, plus the style itself, make me think Mexico. Clay whistles are one of the traditional folk arts in Mexico. Most common are the black ones from Oaxaca, but they're made in several regions.
     
  4. 2manybooks

    2manybooks Well-Known Member

    It is based on the pre-columbian ceramic dogs from Colima, Mexico. They have been reproduced/copied ad nauseam, and this looks like a modern production.
     
    Any Jewelry and patd8643 like this.
  5. Aquitaine

    Aquitaine Is What It IS! But NEVER BORED!

    Journey, Can you take a LESS bright pic of its belly to see what that faint image is there???
     
  6. Any Jewelry

    Any Jewelry Well-Known Member

    I'm with 2many, a Mexican souvenir based on pre-Columbian Colima dogs.
    It looks like an older souvenir, and those have been going up in value. In spite of the damage that is worth looking into.
     
    reader likes this.
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