Israel
Kibbutz Ein-Hashofet (Menashe Hills)

Ceramic
Mid-20th century
Length: 5 in; Width: 2.25 in; Height: 3.75 in
Aerophones – Wind Instruments Proper – Edge-blown Flutes

This ocarina (vessel flute) is made from ceramic, formed in the shape of an elephant with incised eyes and fully shaped legs, tusks, and trunk. It is a greyish-brown color, with three finger holes near the top of the body and a blow hole on the trunk. The instrument is signed in Hebrew  on the bottom of the feet by the maker, David Morris.

David Morris was born in 1936 in Brockton, Mass.  From 1954-1958 he studied ceramics at Alfred University in New York, after which he served in the army from 1958-1960.  His grandfather and great grandfather lived in ancient Yerucham, a small town in the southern district of Israel.  After visiting with them in 1960, he returned in 1962 and became a citizen, where he also became a member of Kibbutz Ein Hashofet.  There he studied with Jean Mayer, another ceramicist whose work is represented in this collection. His awards include: 1967 – Dvora Davidson Prize for Sculpture and Painting; 1975 Regional Council of Megido Award for Artists; 1988 Honorable Mentions from the Ceramic Arts Association of Japan.

Resource: http://david-morris.co.il/en/about-david-morris/