Costa Rico, Mesoamerica
Nicoya 

Ceramic
ca. 800 to 1200 CE
Length: 4.75 in; Depth: 1.75 in; Height: 2.25 in
Aerophones – Wind Instruments Proper – Edge-blown Flutes

A Nicoya polychrome ocarina depicting an armadillo, from Costa Rica.  This Pre-Columbian ceramic musical instrument features intricate painted designs with brown, cream, red, and black pigments, representing the rich artistry of the Guanacaste-Nicoya region (now Guanacaste Province) around 9th-12th centuries. These hollow, clay flutes with strong mineral deposits served ritualistic or musical purposes and show the sophisticated indigenous craftsmanship during this period.

This armadillo whistle has two fingerholes on both sides of the body that allows variation of pitch.  The end of the tail has a whistle hole that serves as the mouthpiece.  Sometimes, the sound it creates mimics the creature represented; however little is known about how they were used.  This ocarina still functions quite well.