Ocarina, 1000-1600 CE
Tairona culture; Colombia
Ceramic; 6 1/2 in.
96.43.2
Bowers Museum Pu…

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Ocarina

ClassificationsTools and Equipment-musical instruments-ocarinas

Date1000-1600 CE

Made AtColombia, South America

MediumCeramic

Dimensions6 1/2 in. (16.5 cm)

Credit LineBowers Museum Purchase with Funds Provided by Dr. James Block Pick Ph.D. and Dr. Rosalyn M. Laudati Ph.D.

Object number96.43.2

DescriptionThis ceramic ocarina in the shape of a priest was made by the Tairona people, a Pre-Columbian culture that resided in Colombia. The ocarina has two holes for airflow, and its anthropomorphic shape makes it awkward to handle, suggesting it may have had a more symbolic than utilitarian function.

The figurine has a side bag, a collared necklace, a skirt-like element, and his arms are decorated with striated bands which are also visible on his knees. He seems to be clenching his fists. There is a very large labret (lip ornament) on his lower lip, and a horizontal nose ornament. A bulge is modeled on the figure’s left cheek, indicating coca chewing. His headdress is a crescent shape and has individual feathers indicated through the top of it.

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