Pre-Columbian, Colombia, Tairona culture, ca. 800 to 1500 CE. A fine pair of mold-made ocarinas in figural forms. The larger whistle is incredibly detailed and in the form of a jaguar-faced shaman or deity with a massive, crescent-shaped headdress and twin serpents flanking him. The surface is decorated with incised lines, shapes, and stippling, creating a wonderful texture. An opening in the top of the headdress and center of the undecorated back and four small holes along the lower front part of the ocarina allowed the instrument to be played. The other ocarina is similar in profile but depicts a warrior or cacique (lord) seated on a crescent shaped throne, with a mouthpiece on his headdress and additional tonal holes for playing. Both ocarinas are functional and emit whistling tones. Size of larger ocarina: 3.35" L x 2.8" W (8.5 cm x 7.1 cm); smaller: 2" L x 1.5" W (5.1 cm x 3.8 cm)

Provenance: private Eagle, Colorado, USA collection, acquired in the 1990s

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#168243

Minor nicks to high pointed areas on both, otherwise intact and very good. Both are functional and produce sounds.