Ocarina 1890 - 1910

This is an ocarina, a vessel flute made by Heinrich Fiehn. Observe the careful placement of finger holes and the etched letters and numbers. These aren't mere decoration, but a deliberate system that speaks to a long history. The ocarina's form echoes ancient instruments found across cultures, from the Chinese Xun to pre-Columbian American flutes. Its very shape—ovoid and suggestive—recalls the earth, fertility, and the potential for new life. Much like how the breath animates this object, musical instruments have historically symbolized a bridge between the earthly and the divine. Think of the Greek god Pan, whose flute could incite both joy and terror. This ocarina invites us to consider the enduring human impulse to create sound, and how this impulse is eternally intertwined with our deepest emotions. This is not just an instrument; it's a vessel carrying echoes of the past into the present.