Skip to main content
Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
Ocarina
Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
© Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami. All rights reserved.

Ocarina

Artist/Maker
Dateca. 1000-1550
Mediumpottery and slip paint
DimensionsOverall: 3 3/4 x 5 1/2 x 2 1/4 in. (9.5 x 14 x 5.7 cm)
ClassificationsMusical Instruments
Credit LineGift of Candice Barrs
Terms
    Object number94.0014.09
    DescriptionPainted in Buenos Aires-style polychrome, this jaguar ocarina is in a form known as Birmani style, with two tilted heads, four legs, and a number of perforations to allow for a variety of notes. Expressions on the faces of the jaguar are festive and non-threatening. Many musical instruments were made in animal effigy form, and the qualities associated with the jaguar such as strength, cunning, and power, were traits often honored in ritual musical performances.
    On View
    Not on view
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Diquis
    ca. 500-1000
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Olmec
    ca. 1500-400 BCE
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Central Highlands/Atlantic Watershed
    ca. 1-800
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Guna people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Greater Nicoya
    ca. 1-500
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Olmec
    ca. 1500-400 BCE
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Central Highlands/Atlantic Watershed
    ca. 1000-1550
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Greater Nicoya
    ca. 1000-1550
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Manteño
    800-1500
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Greater Nicoya
    ca. 1000-1550
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Greater Nicoya
    ca. 1000-1350