{"product_id":"pre-columbian-veracruz-pottery-jaguar-rattle-whistle","title":"Pre-Columbian Veracruz Pottery Jaguar Rattle \u0026 Whistle","description":"\u003cp\u003eClassic Veracruz Culture, ca. 300–900 AD\u003cbr\u003eLength: 4 3\/4 inches\u003cbr\u003eA finely modeled Pre-Columbian pottery rattle depicting a reclining jaguar, incorporating both an internal rattle chamber and a functional whistle. Attributed to the Classic Veracruz culture of Mexico’s Gulf Coast.\u003cbr\u003eThe figure is rendered in a compact, crouched posture with pronounced feline characteristics, including heavy arched brows, rounded muzzle, thick lips, and a textured body surface likely representing stylized fur or spotted patterning. The sculptural curvature and punctate surface treatment are consistent with Veracruz zoomorphic ceremonial sound instruments.\u003cbr\u003eSound-producing ceramics such as this example were often associated with ritual performance, ceremonial music, and shamanic symbolism. The jaguar held profound importance in Mesoamerican cosmology, symbolizing power, night, transformation, and elite authority.\u003cbr\u003eThe piece retains:\u003cbr\u003eActive internal rattle pellets\u003cbr\u003eWorking whistle aperture\u003cbr\u003eOriginal vent perforations typical of Veracruz acoustic construction\u003cbr\u003eCondition:\u003cbr\u003eEars and tail are missing from antiquity. Otherwise intact with expected ancient surface wear and mineral deposits. The whistle remains functional and the rattle mechanism is active.\u003cbr\u003eProvenance:\u003cbr\u003eEx. Private New Jersey Collection\u003cbr\u003eAcquired from Lowell Collins Gallery, Texas on October 5, 1994\u003cbr\u003eOriginal gallery certificate included\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Minerva Gallery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52665010094377,"sku":null,"price":365.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0710\/2762\/2185\/files\/rn-image_picker_lib_temp_ff1c4693-834b-49d0-8702-898d65b35d73.jpg?v=1770905890","url":"https:\/\/minerva-gallery.com\/products\/pre-columbian-veracruz-pottery-jaguar-rattle-whistle","provider":"Minerva Gallery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}