Masked Figurine Holding a Drum, Possibly an Ocarina (Whistle) c. 1300

Curator: Wow, this little guy looks like he’s seen a thing or two. What’s the story behind him? Editor: This is a ceramic sculpture titled "Masked Figurine Holding a Drum, Possibly an Ocarina (Whistle)" from the Tairona culture, dating back to around 1300. It currently resides here at The Art Institute of Chicago. Curator: An ocarina, how enchanting! It’s got such a somber feel. That mask, those eyes—there’s a weight in that ancient gaze. I imagine this piece had a very spiritual context. Editor: Exactly. Pieces like these were not merely decorative; they held significant ritual and social importance. Imagine the processions, the ceremonies where this figure, through its music and presence, would have played a central role in community life. Curator: Music as a vessel for the divine... it’s an evocative thought. I am drawn to the detailing on the figure’s chest—intricate patterns that almost resemble a breastplate. Editor: Indeed, and the artistry! The fact that it has survived so long gives us a glimpse into the sophisticated craftsmanship of the Tairona people. Look at the symmetry, the confident modeling of the clay. The museum functions here as a custodian that protects such an amazing cultural artifact. Curator: It almost feels wrong to have it sitting silent and still within the walls of a museum. I’d give anything to hear the tune this little ceramic man once played. To transport ourselves into its culture! It probably was intended for so much more than standing on a shelf here. Editor: Absolutely. Museums ideally function to spark conversations, inspire us to ask these questions, and encourage us to research into what exactly was the function, purpose and societal value of these figures in Tairona society. Curator: Museums can also show visitors our own responsibility and how it compares to past societal traditions and rituals. It is mind-opening, for sure. I leave contemplating our modern soundscapes and their social functions... What instruments will stand the test of time for us today? Editor: Precisely, curator. Hopefully it provokes critical thought.