Sound artefacts as containers. The materiality of rhythm in ancient Mesoamerica

Bibliographic Data

ID4765111
AuthorsValeria Bellomia (corresponding author)
Year2021
Issue115
Pages121-145
Publication date2021-04-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenuePallas (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0031-0387 • E-ISSN: 2272-7639
PublisherOpenEdition (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.4000/pallas.20000
OpenAlexW4312527746
LanguageEN
References cited23

This paper focuses on the role played by rhythmic instruments in Aztec ritual performances, combining the study of sound related artefacts as primary archaeological record with other contextual sources, using a multidisciplinary approach. Two categories of Aztec percussion instruments (huehuetl and teponaztli) will be analyzed, trying to get closer to the emic point of view, the indigenous concept of drums as containers of non-human entities. This will offer a better understanding of their role within the ceremonial context. Another important aspect here stressed is the importance of considering the materiality of these sound related artefacts, entangled with humans in a dialogical way to shape the ritual soundscape. Finally, a brief excursion in ethnography, will show how ancient percussion instruments are today re-signified in a totally changed ritual context, where their enduring materiality becomes a field of negotiation and claim of identity for the members of indigenous communities

Acoustics · Aesthetics · Archaeology · Art · Context (archaeology · Dialogical self · Emic and etic · Epistemology · Indigenous · Materiality (auditing · Sociology · Sound (geography · Soundscape · Visual arts · Anthropology · Archaeology and ancient environmental studies · Archaeology and Rock Art Studies · History · Latin American history and culture · Philosophy

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