A rare terracotta bird shaped whistle from the ancient Mesopotamian culture. ca. 2000 to 3000 BCE. In good condition. It has been cleaned, but the nice antique patina is preserved. Original hand forming, cutting and grinding. Traces of use and age on its surface. There is a small missing part on the head. Purchased 1976 Islamabad/Pakistan by Dr. Zelnik from the collection of a former ambassador in the Middle East. Important information : The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot. Due to the complicated Cultural Laws we will not be able to ship this item outside of the EU nor to the United States. Provenance : This item comes from the collection of Dr. István Zelnik, resulting from more than 50 years of collecting. Former diplomat, Asian Art collector, Researcher. Publications : More than 20 essays on Southeast Asian politics and economy. Co-author of 10 albums and books on Southeast Asian Art.