Ocarina in the Form of a Female Figure with Monkey and Child

Ocarina in the Form of a Female Figure with Monkey and Child

550–950 CE
Artist
unknown artist
Culture
Maya
Locale
Guatemalan highlands Alta Verapaz region
Country
Guatemala
Object
whistle
Medium
Ceramic with pigment applied after firing
Accession Number
1979.3
Credit Line
Funds From the Exeter Drilling Company and Mr. and Mrs. Morris A. Long.

Unknown Maya artist, Alta Verapaz region, Southern Highlands, Guatemala. Ocarina in the Form of a Female Figure with Monkey and Child, 550–950 CE. Ceramic with pigment applied after firing, 13 ½ x 11 x 5½ inches. Denver Art Museum Collection: Gift of Exeter Drilling Company and Mr. and Mrs. Morris A. Long, 1979.3.

Dimensions
height: 13.5 in, 34.2900 cm; width: 11 in, 27.9400 cm; depth: 5.5 in, 13.9700 cm
Department
Mayer Center, Arts of the Ancient Americas
Collection
Arts of the Ancient Americas
This object is currently on view

This large, mold-made ceramic figure has preserved much of it original color.  Many Maya ceramic figurines have a mouthpiece in the back and functioned as whistles.  These were probably used in festivities and ceremonies, perhaps including funerary rites.

Known Provenance
(La Tipica), Guatemala City, Guatamala; Purchased by Robert Huber [b.1937] (Huber Primitive Art), Dixon, Illinois, October 1978; Purchased by the Denver Art Museum, 1979
Exhibition History
  • "Rhythm & Ritual: Music of the Ancient Americas," Museo de las Americas, Denver, CO, June 18 - Oct. 17, 2020