[Aztlan] Ocarina Wind Instrument

[Justin Kerr]

I am not a musician, but they way I classify objects that sound is simple.
The one toned objects are whistles (search for whistle in Portfolio), but
there are whistles that may have more than one hole and produced various
tones. I sometimes use the word flute for Veracruz multi toned and
multi-barreled instruments. Generally these instruments are a single column
but there are always exceptions. The ocarina generally has an oblate form
(turtles are one example) and are multi toned. Musicians pick them up and
play them without prior study, just making tunes by using the finger holes.
But there are also trumpets (search for trumpet in portfolio) which are
generally single toned but can make different tones using the lips. There
was one example of a clay ax that has a movable bead inside and changes tone
when its position moves up and down. 
Most Jaina figurines are classified as whistles (they make one, generally
high pitched sound) for woman the mouthpiece is generally the shoulder. 
Justin 
-----Original Message-----
From: aztlan-bounces at lists.famsi.org [mailto:aztlan-bounces at lists.famsi.org]
On Behalf Of Elaine Schele
Sent: Friday, March 06, 2009 12:36 AM
To: Aztlan
Subject: [Aztlan] Ocarina Wind Instrument

Good Evening Listeros,

Does anyone know if there a real difference between the "ocarina" wind
instrument and the simple whistle?  Is it the shape (turtles,
figurines, etc) of the ocarina that makes it different?  Does the
ocarina have a sound that is distinctive from the whistle?

Thanks!
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