^Lot 157 A Tairona Ocarina - in the Shape of an Ocarina Player!

Pre-Columbian, Tairona, ca. 500 – 1000 AD. A hollow-molded terracotta statuette depicting a standing male figure; he wears an elaborate headdress with a central disc and an equally elaborate costume with belts, arm bands and sashes, all of which are decorated with geometric patterns. His costume probably indicates that he is a cacique or chieftain. With his left hand he holds a musical instrument to his mouth - an ocarina.



Most interestingly, the whole statuette itself functions as an ocarina! The top of the head has a small blow hole, and several holes on the body of the figure, when covered or uncovered with the finger tips, allow to lower and raise the pitch. A fantastic whistle that still plays after all those years! 7-1/2”H (19cm), in excellent condition; some encrustation and surface wear; a minuscule chip to the back of the headdress. There is a very thin line on one of the arms, only visible under magnification. An old inventory number written under one of the feet.

Provenance: Ex-private Belgian collection VH, bought in 2003; previously with Arte Primitivo, New York; previously Danish private collection.

This lot will be sold not subject to a reserve. The starting price is the price at which the item can sell.