This charming clay sculpture of a bird is the
Ocarina, a musical instrument of the new world.
Ocarinas come in a variety of sizes, producing
tones ranging from that of a tenor recorder to
that of a shrill whistle. The mouthpiece and the
resonance chamber are modified to produce
different tones. This beautifully burnished
Ocarina's bird shape body is used as the
resonance chamber. The resonance chamber and
various openings in the instrument are sculpted
in nearly perfect circular forms, indicating the
artist's attention to precision. Decorated in the
zoned bichrome-period style, the beautiful and
delicate surf ace shows enhancement with fine
incision lines. Used in sacred rituals, such
Ocarina had an important function in Ancient
Costa Rica. Ocarinas were played in rituals to
honor the high politicians, chieftains, and
shamans. Furthermore, it was a great honor for a
musician to be chosen to play an Ocarina in these
rituals. The music of this charming Ocarina surely
has captivated the participating souls of the
rituals, and the instrument still possesses the
power to enchant the ears of people today. We
can imagine the musical delight this delicate bird
created in ancient, sacred rituals, and the
magical soul of the musician who created the
enchanting sound.
- (PF.3008)
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