Can anyone provide info on these two guys? Picked up at estate sale in Texas. Small one is about 4 inches long with vents on top. Larger in about 6 inches long with hole under its tail. Thanks!
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These are Ocarinas.
The word "ocarina" is certainly Italian in origin: in the Bolognese dialect of the Emiliano-Romagnolo language it means "little goose". The Italian Giuseppe Donati invented the modern "sweet potato" style ocarina in his workshop near Bologna, transforming what had, in Europe, been little more than a toy into an eight-holed musical instrument.
Examples of Ceramic Ocarina Figurines:
Zale Spiral Turtle Ceramic Ocarina Figurine www.wayfair.com/
Terracotta Polychrome Ocarina store.barakatgallery.com/
Pre Columbian Ocarina Pottery Turtle Effigy Flute was sold for $65 www.bradfordsauction.com/
Vintage Mexican pottery ocarina whistle anteater armadillo elephant pig animal folk art flute figurine was sold for about $19 www.etsy.com/
My guess is spice shakers, maybe for outdoor cooking of meats. The value likely is in their uniqueness and hand-hewn appeal. Great conversation pieces!
The one with the large holes could be for toothpicks.
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