A wind musical instrument and type of vessel flute, consisting of an enclosed space with four to twelve finger holes and a projecting mouthpiece. Traditionally made from clay or ceramic, but also produced in plastic, wood, glass, metal, or bone.
Definition and form
The ocarina is a wind musical instrument that falls under the broad category of vessel flutes. A typical model is an enclosed chamber with four to twelve finger holes, plus a mouthpiece that projects from the body. The design varies between instruments, but this basic structure defines what makes something an ocarina.
Materials and history
Ocarinas are traditionally crafted from clay or ceramic, though other materials such as plastic, wood, glass, metal, or bone are also used. The Italian ocarina was invented in 1853 by a 17-year-old named Giuseppe Donati, who gave the instrument its name and handmade each one from clay with seven to ten finger holes and a spout for the mouthpiece.
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