Description:

Pre-Columbian, Ecuador, Bahia culture, ca. 500 BCE to 500 CE. A rare pottery figural ocarina shaped as a standing human figure, rendered with a compact, stylized body and finely modeled features. The figure displays a rounded face with incised eyes and mouth, framed by a cap-like headdress that curves around the head. The arms are bent forward, the hands resting on the torso in a gesture of calm composure. The mouthpiece is placed discreetly at the back of the head, while tone holes are pierced at the hips and derriere, demonstrating both aesthetic design and acoustic function. Size: 7.8" L x 3.1" W x 2.1" H (19.8 cm x 7.9 cm x 5.3 cm)

Such figural ocarinas were integral to ritual and musical practice, their sounds believed to echo the voices of spirits or serve as offerings in ceremonies. The placement of tone holes across the lower body may have had symbolic associations with fertility or transformation, themes often central to Bahia art. With its dual role as both a musical instrument and anthropomorphic effigy, this ocarina embodies the fusion of sound, spirituality, and sculpture in Pre-Columbian Ecuador.

Provenance: private Colorado, USA collection; ex-collection of Dr. and Mrs. Albert and Carol Rosenthal; ex-estate of Carol Rosenthal

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#196518

  • Condition: Some light surface wear commensurate with age, but, otherwise, intact and excellent. Still functions as an ocarina.

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December 5, 2025 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000