Thought It Was Junk… I Was So Wrong
As I walked into a local thrift store, I had little to no expectations. Just browsing. And then I saw it.
A peculiar, submarine-shaped device. A whistle and potato had a baby. I flipped it over—and it read, “Ant. Canella Ferrara, Italy.” Ceramic, handmade, Italian. Price? A dollar. Sold.
I brought it home and did a little research only to discover it was an Antonio Canella
ocarina—a handmade musical instrument (ocarina) made in Ferrara, Italy.
What is an Antonio Canella Ocarina?
The ocarina is an very old wind instrument. Variations of the ocarina are present in many cultures throughout the world: China, Mesoamerica, Europe.
The Antonio Canella ocarina comes from Ferrara, Italy, a center for ocarina making. In the mid-1800s, Giuseppe Donati, from Budrio, made the modern transverse ocarina—the sweet potato shape we recognize today.
Antonio Canella upheld that tradition, and musicians and collectors prize his ocarinas for their craftsmanship and sound.
What Does It Look Like?
Mine is a ten-hole transverse ocarina. It is ceramic (glazed brown with a gold stamp near the mouth piece).
Antonio canella ocarina has ten finger holes with a thumb hole underneath. It feels sturdy but has the unmistakable quality associated with something being handmade.
If I blow into it, it makes a very haunting and airy sound. It isn’t a whistle, it isn’t a flute and sounds ancient.
What is an Antonio Canella Ocarina Worth?
Prices for an Antonio Canella ocarina range from roughly $30 to $100, depending on condition and tuning. Many new, pristine, or vintage examples sell for anywhere from $120 and up.
I got lucky and snagged a very functional instrument and collectible for $1, despite a few imperfections.
Why Ocarinas Are Unique
The sound is nostalgic, soft, dreamy, not as sharp as a recorder and not as formal as a flute. It feels like music from another age.
The ocarina is also a great conversation starter. People will either say something like, “Is that from Zelda?” or ask “Is that an ocarina?” Either way, they are on the right track!
Should You Buy One?
Yes. You should pick one up for your collection, as a decoration, or just to play.
If you see one that is stamped “Ant. Canella Ferrara, Italy”, just take it. They are wonderful, valuable and functional.
Final Thoughts
Thrift stores have a way of surprising you. An Antonio Canella ocarina was a great reminder that treasures can be hiding in plain sight.
Check the shelves, flip things over, search for a stamp. You might even discover a little piece of musical history from Ferrara, Italy. Just like I did.
