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Lithophones

 I recently watched a video at History Colorado that featured lithophones found in the Great Sand Dunes National Monument. Archeologist Marilyn A. Martorano displayed a collection of these cigar shaped stones.

Lithophones from Great Sand Dunes NM 

For the demonstration they were suspended on top of a rope ala marimba bars and struck with hard rubber mallets. They could also be suspended vertically from a string or hand at their vibrating node (about 28% of the length) producing a ringing sound. 

I have heard of 'Kiva Stones' that have been found in ancient Kivas that were presumably used for ceremonial purposes. In The Cave of The Winds here in Colorado Springs the guides tap on some of the stalactites to show visitors the sounds that some of them make. Although there doesn't seem to be any evidence that people ever used them for this purpose.

On a hike near Bandelier NM I came across a large flat rock that resonated when I stepped on it. I spent an hour playing on this rock and tapping other rocks in the area for similar effect but no others found. Was this stone used by some ancient drummer? Probably not but it was an interesting experience. And like so many of our hikes in New Mexico it ended with us nearly stepping on the largest Diamondback Rattlesnake I have ever seen.

The hike started with me playing on this lithophone



And ended with a rattle accompaniment








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Comments

  1. RonaldMarch 15, 2021 at 12:37 PM

    Wow! I could barely see the rattler! Did you hear it first?

    ReplyDelete
  2. A Percussionist's NotebookMarch 16, 2021 at 7:13 AM

    No, fortunately saw it as it was going across the trail. Afterwards it coiled up and hid behind the bush. If we were a few seconds later I don't think I would have seen it. It's a scary thought what could have happened then.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Far Side of FiftyMarch 18, 2021 at 4:08 PM

    Just call me wet pants:(

    ReplyDelete

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