They share these common characteristics:
They are molded from clay, perhaps mixed with sand.
They are mostly small and roundish or fat, not cylindrical like the flutes.
There is one hole to be blown into.
The air stream is split, causing the vibration that produces the sound.
Covering and uncovering the other holes with the fingers creates the various pitches.
Ocarinas differ in number of finger holes, and often the finger holes differ in size.
These ancient instruments have been found all over the world.
They have been given many different names, including:
borrindo | xun | tsuchibue |
---|---|---|
molinukai | hun | vessel flute |
The most common shape among ocarinas is known as the sweet potato.
It has also been likened to a headless goose or a submarine.
We don't have one, so here's my sketch:
The second-most common shape seems to be this one (from Peru):
Here's an unusual one that came from Costa Rica.
It's made to look like various animals, depending on your viewpoint.
![]() TOUCAN |
![]() PIG |
---|---|
![]() STARFISH |
![]() BULL |
The Legend Of Zelda is a Nintendo video game series featuring Princess Zelda.
The games include both puzzles and battle simulations.
Many of the objects found and used in the games are musical instruments.
This is especially true in the game The Ocarina Of Time.
Koji Kondo is the composer of the music in that game, as well as lead composer for most of the series.