1st century BC-3rd century AD. A terracotta whistle formed as a warrior standing with a large curved rectangular shield and club in his right hand poised to strike. For a very close example cf. Winning H, Pre Columbian Art of Mexico and Central America, 1968, p.86. Exhibited: Ancient Mesoamerica, Precolumbian Mexican and Maya Art, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, 4 June - 31 July 1970, exhibit 78. 142 grams, 12cm (4 3/4"). Property of a Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK collector; acquired Woolley & Wallis, Salisbury, UK, sale TR729, lot 33; formerly in the collection of Sir Peter Hope (1912-1999), British Intelligence Officer and later Ambassador to Mexico (1968-1972); accompanied by the original Woolley & Wallis invoice. This depiction of a warrior with shield held high would have accompanied the deceased into a shaft tomb. The function of this type of figure can be interpreted as offering protection against evil spirits. [No Reserve] Fine condition.