In celebration of our new exhibit, “Ancient Americas in a New Light” I thought I would spotlight my favorite piece from the animal effigies display.

Before I started working at the museum I had never heard of a ‘Whistling Jar.’ (I own a “gurgle pot” and wondered if they were similar.)

And in some ways they seem to be.

A gurgle pot is a fish-shaped pitcher that makes gurgling noises as you pour liquid from it’s spout- a functional object that also entertains. (A hit at dinner parties!)

A whistling jar is also a functional vessel with a fun twist. These jars make a bird-like chirping sound when you blow air into the spout, or when liquid is poured slowly from one of it chambers to the other.

Watch the videos below to for audio demos with air and water.

You’ll note that these lovely jars come in different shapes, sizes and designs (most look in the form of animals or people.) The sounds they emit are also diverse- with pitch depending on size, shape and fluid levels.

So even though they serve as functional pitchers, they are playful musical instruments which might have been enjoyed by children and adults alike.

The specific whistling jar seen below was created by Chimu artisans over a thousand years ago.

The Chimu were a civilization that lived before the Inca on the northern coast of what is now Peru. They were successful engineers and artisans, and because they lived along the coast, you can see a lot of their coastal lifestyle reflected in their artwork such as fish, otters and seabirds. The whistling jar pictured below was likely designed after a seabird.

Whistling Jar with Bird Head. CHIMU. Blackware. 1000-1466 CE

Though we understand the origins, components and potential of this object, no one really knows for certain the full purpose of jars such as this one from the OJAC collection.

Formal studies have suggested that they might actually be finely tuned, acoustical shamanic instruments– used for religious rituals, health and healing involving chakra and the human body. (This hypothesis is related to a Chimu belief that the creator made the first life on Earth from breathing into clay.) 

The Chimu might have played the sounds of one or multiple pots to achieve different pitches while meditating. These layered sounds might cause relaxation, healing or even visions.

I wish it were possible to test and listen to the sounds I am certain would be unique to this sea-bird effigy. I can only imagine it’s call as air and water flowed through it’s chambers! However, I do feel fortunate to spend a few moments with him each day at work.

Don’t miss your own opportunity to investiage this and dozens of other equally fascinating preColumbian artifacts in person- on view this summer though August 20th!

Kellie Bellah

Admin. Assistant & Visitor Services Associate