Whistle with the Maize God emerging from a flower

Emerging as a corncob from a husk or a pistil from a flower, the Maize God is a metaphor for growth and regeneration. He is often portrayed in an active pose, bending, swaying, or dancing; here, however, he is still, his arms crossed. The young Maize God has serene, idealized facial features and a restrained assortment of accessories, including ear ornaments and a beaded necklace. The head of this figurine conceals a whistling mechanism; when air is blown through the long, hollow stem, the work produces a high-pitched sound. Whistles were key features of ritual practice.