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Pre-Columbian Maya Valveless Tube Trumpets

    Mark Howell

Journal of Music Archaeology, Volume 1, 2023, pp. 233-247, 2024/10/28

Volume 1, 2023

doi: https://doi.org/10.1553/JMA-001-10


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doi:https://doi.org/10.1553/JMA-001-10

Abstract

There are some 77 representations of non-conch shell pre-Columbian Maya tube trumpets known,
but only one extant ceramic version survives. The others are known from paintings, engravings,
and sculptures. Of these there appear to be two primary types: trumpets of one or more materials
(gourd being one of those) and wrapped trumpets. For this chapter I discuss the evidence for these
instruments, their materials and means of manufacture, and their uses. I will also examine the
sonic signatures on replications of the ceramic trumpet and a dipper-gourd trumpet.

Keywords: Maya; Trumpet; Gourd; Iconography; Pre-Columbian music; Experimental archaeology