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The Tingilingi Box

The Ecury house built in 1929, is since 2009 the actual National Archaeological Museum of Aruba (MANA), located in the Rancho the former fishing village and neigborhood of the capital city of the island of Aruba. It was the home of the esteemed Ecury family, prominent in society and business. Shon Segundo Nicasio “Dun Dun” Ecury built his business empire from here. The Ecury House forms the heart of the museum. It features a facade with classical elements, Caribbean gingerbread detailing and local decorative elements. This imposing and harmonious ensemble is a unique creation by the architect Dada Picus and is now brought alive in the Shon Dun Dun Tingilingi Box.

A Musical Instrument of historical heritage recognized by the UNESCO still in use and now available for your personal enjoyment.

About

TINGILINGI BOX

The following history and description of the Tingilingi Box has been publicized by LocaLisa and www.arubamusicbox.com hereby would like to thank LocaLisa for a great and detailed historical description.

The Organ Box also popular known as the Tingilingi Box is a popular musical instrument used on both the island of Curacao and Aruba to “cheer up” the ambience at national holiday celebrations like Dera Gai, Dia di Betico, Dia di Himno y Bandera and at private gatherings for weddings, anniversaries and senior birthday parties.

The “Crank Operated Piano/Organ” was born in 1842 in Waldrich, Germany. Andreas Ruth (1817-1888) who’s father was the creator of the “Black Forest Organs”, which to this date are still considered the best German fairground and concert organs, created the concept for a “barrel organ”. He wanted a way to record music to preserve its originality. He adjusted the original design from “barrel organ” to a “cylinder piano” and this was a success. Several countries in Europe fell in love with the model and it became very popular throughout the continent. It acquired many names like «piano-organ», «street-organ», and «cylinder organ». It became most popular in Spain, the FAVENTIA ORGAN, and Italy who exported it to the American continent. From Venezuela it made its entrance into the Dutch Antilles.

In the beginning of the 19th century the first 3 “cylinder pianos” arrived in Aruba. They made a huge impact and became an instant hit. These were called «caha di orgel» (organ box) and «caha di musica» (music box). The most popular denomination is without a doubt the “Tingilingi Box” (teeng-ee-leeng-ee).

The passion for this instrument grew such in Aruba that every town had at least three or four. Owners would name their Tingilingi Box and decorate it with paintings, pictures, personal objects and hand-written dedications.

Shon Dun Dun

The unique Shon Dun Dun Tingilingi Box, this famous Aruban Music Box, with its marvelous, playful sound, is dedicated to the well-known Aruban gentleman Shon Dun Dun Ecury.

Segundo Nicasio (‘Dun Dun’) Ecury was born on the island of Aruba on December 14, 1888. His ancestors were slaves from the island of Haití. He was a son of María Mercelina León and Eugenio Cándido Ecury, a shoemaker by profession. Shon Dun Dun’s father died at the age of thirty, leaving behind a wife and three children. Shon Dun Dun was merely 5 years old. María Mercelina (‘Shon Marichi’) worked hard in her ‘shap’ (= comes from shop, a tiny grocery store) to provide for her family and give her children a good education. As a young man Shon Dun Dun started a career in commerce, establishing a reputation as a good businessman.

Shon Dun Dun started his own business and was the first importer of Ford cars in Aruba and the owner of Ecury Motors.

The Shon Dun Dun Tingilingi Box, represents the home of the Ecury family in the Schelpstraat 42 in Oranjestad, Aruba. We celebrate and honor the life of a respected, admired and loved Aruban.

Owner of S.N. Ecury N.V., Dean of the Consular Corps in Aruba, Consul of Haití, Consular Agent of Italy, Honorary Vice Consul of Colombia, Knight in the Order of Oranje Nassau, Officer in the Order ‘Honneur et Merit’ of Haití, Honorary President of the Sociedad Aruba, Co-founder of the Sociedad Bolivariana of Aruba and Honorary Member of the Sociedad Bolivariana de Colombia. Shon Dun Dun was also recognized and decorated by the Holy See: https://www.vatican.va/content/vatican/es.html He passed away at the age of 78.

Gallery

A piece of Historical Heritage The Tingilingi Box is fully handcrafted and color customizable using the RAL or PANTONE color chart. A smart speaker (bluetooth Wi-Fi-enabled with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant) is installed for your musical enjoyment. This fully handcrafted Shon Dun Dun Tingilingi Box comes in a 1:2 scale, a unique designed booklet with the UNESCO certificate copy and a manufacturers serial numbered certification.