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Anthropomorphic Tubular Duct Flute

Mexican (Veracruz or Maya) (Artist)
AD 600-900 (Late Classic)
earthenware, traces of post-fire paint
(Ancient Americas )

Tubular duct flutes in the collection illustrate the variety of aerophones that typify the musical instrument repertoire of different societies during Late Classic times in Mesoamerica. They share the modeling of the human figure as their primary decorative program, but these range from the dramatic naturalism of near portraiture seen on this Veracruz or Maya flute, to the schematized portrayal on the fluted instrument, and ending with the extreme minimalism of the figural rendering on the double-chambered flute from Colima (TL.2009.20.102). Each instrument holds its unique potential for creating a variety of tones and sounds of different timbres, depending on the force of wind entering the mouthpiece and sound chamber(s) as well as the positioning of the player's fingers (when applicable). Although the casual musician can produce acceptable sounds from these instruments, practiced skill is required to achieve their full effect.

Provenance
Provenance (from the French provenir, 'to come from/forth') is the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object. Learn more about provenance at the Walters.

Acquired by John G. Bourne, Santa Fe, New Mexico; given to Walters Art Museum, 2013.

Exhibitions

2012-2013 Exploring Art of the Ancient Americas: The John Bourne Collection Gift. The Walters Art Museum, Baltimore; Frist Center for the Visual Arts, Nashville.
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Geographies

Mexico, Tabasco (Place of Origin) Mexico, Veracruz (Place of Origin)

Measurements

L: 8 1/8 x W: 3 3/16 x D: 2 1/2 in. (20.7 x 8.1 x 6.3 cm)

Credit Line

Gift of John G. Bourne, 2013

Location in Museum

Not on view

Accession Number

In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.

2009.20.135

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  • Wednesday—Sunday: 10 a.m.—5 p.m.
  • Thursday: 1–8 p.m.
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Location

600 N. Charles St.
Baltimore, MD
21201

Phone

410-547-9000

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