This ocarina shows a figure centrally seated on what might be a throne formed by serpents or crocodilian heads. Although anthropomorphic in body, the enormous extended tongue indicates a spiritual or supernatural element. The gesture is found on other, more explicitly transformed ocarina figures and may signal serpent characteristics (see M.2007.146.10). In Indigenous Colombia, rulers and religious leaders are responsible for managing interactions and relationships that sustain life—with the earth, other people, plant and animal communities, weather phenomena, and supernatural beings. This can require transformation or the acquisition of animal traits. Furthermore, the leader is positioned at the very center of the universe, an axis mundi who maintains balance. As explained by Arhuaco elder Mamo Camilo, “In creation there are energies of all kinds; good, bad, neutral. Energetic power is to bring order.”
This is a functional musical instrument with the mouthpiece at the top of the enormous headdress and two finger holes on each side for changing the pitch. The decoration is limited to the front, incised with the finest of lines that are additionally filled with a whitish pigment to illustrate the figure’s elaborate clothing, earspools, and headdress. (See also M.2007.146.445, .447, .452, .462, .466, and .469.)
Julia Burtenshaw
2025
