Ocarina – clay flute

The Ocarina is a wind musical instrument - a type of vessel flute The Ocarina is a wind musical instrument - a type of vessel flute. A typical ocarina is an enclosed space with four to twelve finger holes and a mouthpiece that projects from the body.

In South and Central America, the Mayans, Aztecs, and Incas all developed and performed on clay ocarinas which were often shaped like birds or animals. Ocarinas shaped like birds and animals could also be found in India as early as 5000 BC.

The Xun - pronounced shoon - is an ocarina related more rounded instrument of Chinese origin. For the Chinese, the instrument played an important role in their long history of song and dance. In Japan, the traditional ocarina is known as the tsuchibue or earthen flute.

It eventually made its way to Italy where it was given the name Ocarina meaning “little goose”. Giuseppe Donati, Italian inventor of the modern ocarina, with his work.

Ocarina’s are typically made from clay but other materials are sometimes used.

YOUR PROJECT You will make your main vessel. Two pinch pots slip and scored together and then formed into a teardrop shape. You will construct primary blow-hole and then additional holes on top for varying notes. You will then create either a shape for your Ocarina, transforming it into something in addition to being a whistle or you will add texture, or both. We will fire your ocarina, then you will glaze it and we will fire it again. We will test out our ocarinas and listen to the different tones that you’ve been able to create.

How to Make a Clay Whistle

Add Texture……

Sojiro, an Ocarina artist A little musical inspiration for your creation… Sojiro, an Ocarina artist