Tairona Figural Pottery Frog Ocarina

Pre-Columbian era, Tairona civilization, c. 1000-1500AD, Gairaca, Santa Marta, Magdalena, Northern Colombia.

Mesmerizing, important Tairona ocarina in the form of a naturalistic frog or toad with raised head and bulging applique eyes. In the Pre-Columbian world frogs were associated with rain, all the sustenance it ensures, and by extension fertility. Their croaking sound was believed to herald rainstorms. In essence, frogs were thought to be powerful rainmakers. Their connotations with fertility stem from the fact that frogs lay thousands of eggs and typically assume a squatting position, as we see here, a pose commonly associated with childbirth. The frog's nose serves as the mouthpiece, while two finger holes are located in the right side and two on the left. Small square shaped vent in the throat. A decoration of broad, shallow incised lines across back. Excellent condition. Stunning details. Beautiful brownish black color. Smoothed patina. Age-related minimal wear. Intact. Rich deposits. Ex-museum collection piece with inventory numbers painted on the bottom. Size approx. 9,4cm x 6,5cm x 6,0cm.

For a similar example see:

The Penn Museum, Philadelphia, Object Number: 2017-23-82 (https://www.penn.museum/collections/object/543194