San Pedro Ozumacin

Region: Papaloapam
Church construction date: 1724 (bell 1797)
Organ construction date: 1780 - 1800?
Organ builder: unknown (Puebla)
Last played: early 20th century?
Organ classification: 8´ stationary organ
Tonal base: 8´ principal
Pitch: unknown
Case measurements: height 4.40 m, width lower case 1.99 m, width lower case with hips 2.72 m, width upper case 2.56 m,
depth 1.03 m
Keyboard: (remains) 45 notes C-c''' with a short octave, registers divided c'/c#'
Bellows: the base for three wedge bellows is in the choir loft
Similar organs: San Pedro Quilitongo (religious carvings)

The organ of San Pedro Ozumacín, along with that of San Pedro Quilitongo, may be the last stationary organs in Oaxaca with carved religious symbols on the case. The lower center panel depicts symbols of Saint Peter: the papal miter and the keys to heaven. The upper case is decorated with open work carvings and includes a compass and two squaring tools in medallions above the three towers. Symbols of carpentry, especially when combined with religious imagery on the same organ, are puzzling. Perhaps they were meant to honor the guild that financed the organ’s construction or built the case. The upper case is wider than the lower, more common in Puebla, and the rustic hips seem like filling between the cases rather than a design element. A rectangular (not square Maltese) cross painted on the roller board also indicates a Puebla construction. The organ is disproportionately large for the Ozumacin church with its small choir loft. Even though it is located in a lower side tribune, it still reaches the church roof. It is possible that the organ was acquired from another church dedicated to Saint Peter.  

SPECIFICATIONS (proposed)

Left hand: 21 notes C-c’ with a short octave
1. Bajoncillo 4´
2. Flautado mayor 8´
3. Octava 4´
4. Docena?
5. Quincena?
6.?

Right hand: 24 notes c#'-c'''
1. Clarín 8´
2. Flautado mayor 8´
3. Octava 4´
4. Docena?
5. Quincena?
6.?