In 2014 I was fortunate to have toured Mexico City and it's environs. This was an archaeological tour conducted by the Archaeological Conservancy. I had read about the Teponaztli (log drum) and Huehuetl (single headed drum) for years because of my interest in ancient Mesoamerica. These drums were prominent in the Aztec Culture but also in the earlier cultures of Central America.
In the Museum of Anthropology there were quite a few of these instruments along with of course the famous Aztec Calendar (most likely from Teotihuacan) and artifacts from the Maya, Olmec, Mixtec, Zapotec, etc.
The Teponaztli was made by hollowing out a log and cutting out an 'H' pattern on the top creating two wooden tongues that would vibrate when struck with wooden mallets tipped with rubber. The outside of these drums were always beautifully carved sometimes in the shape of animals.
The Huehuetl was a tall vertical drum also made from a log with an animal hide stretched across the top. The bottom of the drum had part of the wood removed producing 'legs' to allow the sound of the drum to be amplified.
This Tour visited many famous old cities including Tula. It was here that I spotted a man playing his Huehuetl. I'm not sure about the authenticity of it's design but it was cute. Maybe it was used for weekend gigs that you could carry in your pocket.
These drums along with the drummers were held in high esteem and during the Spanish Conquest there are stories of them (the drums) being hidden from the Spaniards to keep them from being destroyed. Since they were used for ceremonial purposes it was considered a sacrilege for anyone but the appointed people to play them.
During one of our lunch stops there was a group of drummers playing these for the tourists and I was invited to play. So I played 'The Downfall of Paris' (not your typical Aztec sacrificial rhythm). These were beautiful drums and the chance to play them was very special.
In the Museum of Anthropology there were quite a few of these instruments along with of course the famous Aztec Calendar (most likely from Teotihuacan) and artifacts from the Maya, Olmec, Mixtec, Zapotec, etc.
The Teponaztli was made by hollowing out a log and cutting out an 'H' pattern on the top creating two wooden tongues that would vibrate when struck with wooden mallets tipped with rubber. The outside of these drums were always beautifully carved sometimes in the shape of animals.
The Huehuetl was a tall vertical drum also made from a log with an animal hide stretched across the top. The bottom of the drum had part of the wood removed producing 'legs' to allow the sound of the drum to be amplified.
This Tour visited many famous old cities including Tula. It was here that I spotted a man playing his Huehuetl. I'm not sure about the authenticity of it's design but it was cute. Maybe it was used for weekend gigs that you could carry in your pocket.
These drums along with the drummers were held in high esteem and during the Spanish Conquest there are stories of them (the drums) being hidden from the Spaniards to keep them from being destroyed. Since they were used for ceremonial purposes it was considered a sacrilege for anyone but the appointed people to play them.
During one of our lunch stops there was a group of drummers playing these for the tourists and I was invited to play. So I played 'The Downfall of Paris' (not your typical Aztec sacrificial rhythm). These were beautiful drums and the chance to play them was very special.
Interesting! How great that you got a chance to play:)
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