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This is a vintage Chilean clay folk art portrait ocarina (or whistle).
Maker & Signature Details
Inscription: The bottom incised signature reads "Taller Amerindio Chile".
Meaning: "Taller Amerindio" translates from Spanish to Amerindian Workshop, indicating that the studio specialized in handcrafted indigenous-style or pre-Columbian replication art pottery.
Object Characteristics
Function: This terracotta head is a functional musical wind instrument—specifically an ocarina or musical vessel. It features specific air holes at the mouth and base to change pitch.
Design Influence: The stylized features, almond eyes, and hooded textile headdress are heavily inspired by ancient South American pre-Columbian design traditions, such as the Moche portrait head vessels of Peru.
Very good vintage condition (review photos) this is a unique piece for a musical collection or Latin Folk Art
