DISCOVERART

Tairona

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

c. 1300
Ceramic and pigment

SEE IT IN PERSON

Not currently on view

In the collection of Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · as of July 2026

View at artic.edu ↗Plan a visit ↗

Discussion

FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

To this day in Tairona communities, masked individuals dance, personifying the deified forces and phenomena of nature. This act associates the annual round of social and economic activities with the natural world’s cycle of death, fertility, and renewal.

Source ↗

Be the first to share your thoughts.

Sign in to join the discussion.

Community guidelines

More by Tairona

Pair of EarringsPair of EarringsLabret in the Form of a Saurian HeadLabret in the Form of a Saurian HeadMasked Figurine with Boar Headdress, Possibly an Ocarina (Whistle)Masked Figurine with Boar Headdress, Possibly an Ocarina (WhWhistle with an Iguana or Saurian Sculpted on its SurfaceWhistle with an Iguana or Saurian Sculpted on its Surface

More like this

Ballplayer FigurineVeracruz, Classic — Ballplayer FigurineVessel in the Form of a Seal Impersonator Playing a DrumMoche — Vessel in the Form of a Seal Impersonator Playing a Female FigurineChupícuaro — Female FigurineFemale FigureChupícuaro — Female FigureFigurineTeotihuacan — FigurineMold-Made Female FigurineMoche — Mold-Made Female FigurineMiniature Spouted Jar in the Shape of a Seated FigureNasca — Miniature Spouted Jar in the Shape of a Seated FigurPolychrome Standing Figure with Exaggerated Head and HipsChinesco — Polychrome Standing Figure with Exaggerated Head Figure of a Seated ChieftainColima — Figure of a Seated ChieftainFigure of a Woman in Ceremonial DressVeracruz, Classic — Figure of a Woman in Ceremonial DressFemale Figurine with Face and Body MarkingsNasca — Female Figurine with Face and Body MarkingsFemale FigurineTlatilco — Female Figurine