Journal of Music Archaeology, Volume 2, 2024, pp. 131-170, 2024/12/18
Volume 2, 2024
This paper presents the study of a sample of pre-Columbian whistling vessels from Teotihuacan, Mexico, in terms of their organology (morphology, construction and functionality), sonority, iconology and sound symbolism, contributing to the interpretation of their possible uses and cultural contexts during the Classic period of Mesoamerica in a time range of 100–650 CE. In addition, the instruments are com-pared with possible predecessors, contemporary variants, and adaptations from Oaxaca and the Maya area, revealing interrelations with other cultures. Apart from a thorough examination of the accessible sound artefacts, and the comparison with published specimens, the construction and subsequent test of a series of experimental reproductions are also taken into account.
Keywords: Ancient music – Classic period Mesoamerica – Teotihuacan – Whistling vessels – Pre-Columbian organ-ology – Sonority – Music iconography – Musical knowledge – Cross-cultural exchange
