Native American, Southeast or Midwest United States, Mississippian, ca. 900 to 1543 CE. A fascinating pottery pipe in the form of a seated bird depicted with wings tucked and head extended to display an expressive visage. Enveloped in liberal remains of gray slip, the stylized avian presents a sizeable fill hole and a petite blow hole on its back, while its chest is grooved for better gripping. The head features annular eyes and a projecting, open beak, crowned by a raised crest. An incised striation lines the periphery of the wings accompanied by a series of recessed rectangles. Note how the beak and feet double as suspension loops, allowing the pipe to be easily strapped to one's belt when travelling. Size: 3.6" L x 1.6" W x 5.7" H (9.1 cm x 4.1 cm x 14.5 cm) Provenance: private South Carolina, USA collection All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping. #171592