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Slit Drums

 Slit drum, tongue drum, Teponaztli. Wooden drums usually made from hollowed logs are common among many cultures around the world and have various names. The 'tongues' were usually cut in the shape of an 'H' on the top forming 2 different lengths which in turn produced 2 different pitches.

Teponaztli (Aztec)
Museum of Anthropology, Mexico

About 30 yrs ago I made 2 for myself. The sides and bottom were plywood with a top (for the beating surface) of a maple board. 


 The larger one (not pictured) had a great sound but the smaller one (above) have the tongues too short for a good resonant sound. Unfortunately the larger one was loaned out to a local high school and was never returned.

Obviously my Teponatzli is not as visually striking as the one made by the ancient Aztecs, but the sound is similar. It was another fun project.

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  1. RonaldNovember 21, 2020 at 9:38 AM

    Does any sound come from the animal's mouth? In the close up, I think I see the slit or divider between the tongues. Am I correct? Wow! 30 years ago you were still doing things like this!

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