Aloha Everyone,
The ocarina is a wind musical instrument that can be traced back to over 10,000 years. Historical existence of this simple instrument are found in Central and South American and Asian cultures.
In Japan, ocarina is known as "tsuchibue" (earthen flute) meaning the instrument is made of clay.
Ocarinas come in different sizes and shapes. Generally, the instrument has an enclosed space, 4 to 12 holes and the part where you blow into or the mouth piece.
12 hole ocarina
Ocarinas are usually made of clay and breakable. Other materials such as glass, metal, wood and plastic may be used. During our travel to Central and South America, I occasionally saw ocarinas being sold in the local open market that are made of animal bones.
An ocarina from Columbia
The Legend of Zelda series, by Nintendo systems helped popularized ocarina music by using them for their theme songs.
I have 2 ocarinas. My level of playing is still at the very beginning stage. I hope to be able to learn some Christmas carols so I can play duet with our granddaughter.
Aloha -- Cathi
