Yucatán and Petén lowlands (Mexico) Island of Jaina (Maya) Whistle in the Form of a Dignitary A.D. 600-900 Ceramic and pigment 7-1/2 inches high, 3-1/4 inches wide, 2 inches deep The John R. Van Derlip Fund 47.2.5

• The whistle in the form of a dignitary comes from the island of Jaina (HY-nah), off the Gulf Coast of Mexico. The ancient Maya placed such figurines in graves with the bodies of rulers and noble families.
   
• Artists made some parts of the figurines in molds and then EMBELLISHED them by adding hand-modeled facial features, headdresses, clothing, and accessories.
   
• The figure can be identified as a man of importance based on his proud, dignified bearing, as well as by his hairdo, headdress, and clothing.
   
• These miniature clay sculptures tell something about the social position or activities of the person with whom they were buried. They have revealed much about the life, customs, and practices of the ancient Maya.
   

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