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Open a larger version of the following image in a popup: Female Effigy Ocarina, 500 CE - 800 CE
Open a larger version of the following image in a popup: Female Effigy Ocarina, 500 CE - 800 CE
Open a larger version of the following image in a popup: Female Effigy Ocarina, 500 CE - 800 CE
Open a larger version of the following image in a popup: Female Effigy Ocarina, 500 CE - 800 CE

Female Effigy Ocarina, 500 CE - 800 CE

Terracotta
4.5 x 5 x 4.5
PF.4295
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Ocarinas are the musical instruments of the New World and are found in high-status tombs. This female ocarina is very symbolic and it suggests use in fertility rituals and ceremonies....
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Ocarinas are the musical instruments of the New World and are found in high-status tombs. This female ocarina is very symbolic and it suggests use in fertility rituals and ceremonies. The representation of a woman with their hands resting on the stomach and her genitalia exposed clearly defines the influence of fertility gods among the Costa Ricans. Perhaps they used this ocarina to announce the arrival of new life. Therefore, the ceremonies and rituals they used this instrument for were important to the longevity and prosperity of the tribe. This impressive female ocarina is burnished in a grayish-brown color with tribal incisions representing body tattooing. The most moving attribute of this work of art is the rendering of the face. It is as if the artist captured the women in the pains of labor. Her head is thrown back and the mouth is wide open as if she is yelling. But the beautiful part is that the mouth is actually the hole by which the sound is made from this instrument. The finger holes are located on the erect breasts and the stomach. The blowhole is protruding straight out from the back of her head. Her legs loop around and connect to the base in a position that elicits the beginnings of birth. Although anthropomorphic vessels are not those uncommon, musical instruments with symbolic importance, such as this one, become a rarity. This unique piece encompasses these special qualities and gives us a glimpse into the culture of ritualistic and spiritual activities of the Costa Ricans.
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4825 
of  28197

London

48 Albemarle Street,

London, W1S 4JW

info@barakatgallery.eu 

 

       


 

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