Pre-Columbian, Central America, Costa Rica, ca. 500 to 1000 CE. A hand-built pottery ocarina of an abstract and stylized avian form, with a protruding mouthpiece that doubles as a tail. The body features five tone holes that change the pitch and create different notes when played like a flute. Two perforations through pointed tabs behind the mouthpiece may have been for securing a cord for suspension, and the tabs may have acted as feet for the bird figure. Above the tone holes is a rounded knob that forms the head of the bird. Incised lines around the neck and along the crest of the head present stylized feather patterns. Two incised circles form eyes above a pinched beak. A lovely warm sienna slip covers the surface of this ancient musical instrument. Size: 2.5" W x 2.75" H (6.4 cm x 7 cm)

Provenance: private Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA collection; ex-Dr. David Harner collection, Springdale, Arkansas, USA, acquired between the 1950s and 1960s

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#161590

Nicks and chips to high-pointed headdress area, otherwise intact. Still produces sound! Nice magnesium deposits.