Found by a friend who lives in Mexico

[northwren]

A friend in Mexico found this pipe in a dry creek bed. He says its really old, but I don't know about that. Any opinions judging by photos?

 

[joshuaream]

Not a pipe, it’s a whistle called an ocarina.

cool find, relatively common around Mexico City and other areas.

 

[northwren]

Thank you for setting me straight on what it is. It makes sense of the four holes.
He has asked me if I can sell it for him, but I really dont know where to start. He said "get whatever you can get for it", but I suppose I should have it looked at first. I hate to question his judgement, but I have no idea of the value of this thing.

 

[northwren]

He insists its a pipe...sent me this photo...

 

[northwren]

It does have the one large hole in the top, along with the four small holes. Said he blew in it with no sound...lol

 

[Tdog]

"Google" Ocarina Whistle. Why would a pipe have that many holes in it and be that bulbous? That creek bed was not always dry so since it was found there, erosion likely rendered it silent!

 

[Tdog]

 

[welsbury]

Try googleing how to play an ocarina. It shows you how.

 

[joshuaream]

Yup, erosion, debris or even dropping them can mess up the sound.

You can checkout LiveAuctioneers.com or eBay.com for completed auctions to see a range of values. Some amazingly detailed examples go for high hundreds of dollars while some more plain eroded pieces go for $20. Your friends example is on plain, eroded end of that range. On liveauctioneers search for Ocarina. On eBay search for Pre-Colombian Ocarina.

The other issue, and it’s one that many people ignore, is that Mexico doesn’t allow the export of relics. The US doesn’t allow the import of ancient Mexican pre-Columbian material without permits. It’s not likely to be a big issue if you sell it on eBay, but it’s not something most galleries or advanced collectors would touch with a 10 foot pole (even if the condition were much better.)

 

[Tdog]

Try googleing how to play an ocarina. It shows you how.

And... how to make one!

https://ceramicartsnetwork.org/dail...ing-techniques/how-to-make-a-ceramic-ocarina/

 

[northwren]

Thank you all for the information. I will research it further and make sure I know the laws of both countries before I do anything with it...

 

[northwren]

My friend has decided to donate this ocarina to a local museum. A generous end to the mysterious pipe turned whistle story...With the help of my friends at TREASURENET, I now consider this case closed. Until next time... my best wishes...HAPPY HUNTING!!