Musical Instruments of the Classic Maya and Teotihuacán
This report focuses on Classic Maya and Teotihuacan wind and percussion musical instruments from the 4th-9th centuries. Trumpets, conch shells and drums were central to Maya rituals, warfare and various ceremonies, as they were often depicted in Maya art. A project proposal is also included to recreate a complete Classical Maya orchestra by reconstructing ancient instruments such as trumpets, ocarinas and tortoise shell marimbas. To achieve this, it is proposed to build the instruments using archaeological finds as reference, and employing contemporary materials. The project also highlights the importance of these instruments to better understand the cultural and ceremonial life of the Maya.
Description
This is a project proposal correlated with the Classic Maya and Teotihuacán musical traditions. More specifically it focuses on wind and percussion instruments used between the 4th-9th centuries. Trumpets, giant conch shells and drums were an integral part of Maya warfare, ceremonies and rituals, as they were often depicted on murals, ceramics and codices. Moreover, depictions of Maya rulers suggest that these instruments were not only used to perform music, but that they were also held as symbols of power. The main objective of this project is to recreate a complete classical Maya orchestra, including various wind instruments, such as long trumpets and flutes, along with ocarinas, tortoise shell marimbas and ceramic drums. In order to achieve this, it would be necessary to source rare materials, such as agave for the trumpets and deerskin for the drums. Collaborating with local artisans and historians specialized in music would be required as well. By reconstructing these ancient instruments, the project aims to revive Maya music and perform pieces in venues such as museums and other cultural institutions.
Autores:
Nicholas Hellmuth
Design:
Jaqueline González
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.