Lot #71: Three Vintage Meso American Clay Artifacts including a Jug in Form of the Mayan 'Principal Bird Deity'

A three item lot of vintage (or older) clay pre-Columbian/ Meso American style objects. Note that all three items were inherited from a late family member who was a life long traveller and collector of ethnographic artifacts. This lot includes: 1) A vintage Pre-Columbian Mesoamerican Colima/Nayarit clay figure in seated pose, in good condition, no damage, normal aging. Measures 10" x 4" x 4". 2) A clay flute in human form.(Pre-Columbian clay flutes and ocarinas sculpted in human form (anthropomorphic aerophones) were crafted across ancient Mesoamerica and South America by various cultures. In many, these instruments were believed to act as bridges between the earthly and spiritual realms. Shamans used them during rituals to induce trances, connect with deities, and guide souls. In good condition with normal signs of age but no cracks, chips or damage. Measures 4.5" x 3" x 1.5". 3) A very interesting terracotta jug in human form but with a bird's head. Hands on knees. Incised decoration. In Maya iconography, this nameless figure is referred to by archaeologists simply as the 'Principal Bird Deity'. He is frequently depicted as an anthropomorphic creature with a human body, cross-legged posture, and a large, predatory bird head with a sharp beak. This deity is closely bound to the supreme sky god Itzamná (often acting as his avian avatar or messenger) and is frequently associated with cosmic trees and wealth. In good condition but does have a hairline crack along the back side of the top portion. (See last photo.) Measures 10" x 5" x5". Dimensions: Various Pickup category timeslot {A}