Ocarina in the Form of a Seated Figure
Tairona
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Object Label
This ocarina, a flute-like instrument, depicts a shaman sitting on a double-headed crocodile bench and wearing elaborate garments, a large, feathered headdress, and a bat or crocodile mask. The ceremonial bench and both animals are associated with shamanic power. Crocodiles are powerful symbols that relate to fertility and the underworld because of their water- and land-based habitat. The musician would blow through a hole at the top of the headdress and place his fingers on the holes to control the tones. The Kogi people of Colombia still play ocarinas.
Caption
Tairona. Ocarina in the Form of a Seated Figure, 1100–1500. Ceramic, 4 7/8 x 4 1/8 x 1 1/2 in. (12.4 x 10.5 x 3.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Tessim Zorach , 71.128. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Culture
Title
Ocarina in the Form of a Seated Figure
Date
1100–1500
Geography
Place made: Colombia
Medium
Ceramic
Classification
Dimensions
4 7/8 x 4 1/8 x 1 1/2 in. (12.4 x 10.5 x 3.8 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Tessim Zorach
Accession Number
71.128
Frequent Art Questions
How do you play an ocarina?
The ocarina is a wind instrument played kind of like a flute. You blow into a mouth piece at the top of the headdress and cover the various lower holes with your fingers to manipulate the tones.
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