1981.033 by Meso & Central American Sound Library Project

This unprovenienced Classic Maya Period (A.D. 600-850) poly-globular flute comprises five vertically stacked oblate spheroids and an apical comice pear-shaped resonator drilled with a lip-rest "saddle blowhole" type. The dimensions of each resonator become smaller as we reach the object's distal end (lower part). The fourth resonator from the top has two protuberant tone holes, whereas the sixth has two flat ones. A cork-stopper-shaped appendage seals the distal end of the poly-globular resonator.

The wrinkled and edentulous face of an elderly figure with raptor-like features adorns the second resonator. It is possibly an avian manifestation of the aged God D/N, often referred to as Itzamnaaj or Itzam(na) Kokaaj, from whose mouth a sonic volute emerges. For an extensive iconographic analysis of this aerophone, please consult the following paper: https://doi.org/10.19130/iifl.ecm/61.002X4856001SM4

The sonic artifact has probably been unearthed (or, more likely, looted) on the territory of present-day Guatemala. But its exact provenience (highlands, southern lowlands, south coast) remains unclear. The flute with accession #1981.033 is currently on display at the Musical Instruments Museum, Brussels. The MIM purchased it from the Galerie Émile Deletaille in the early 1980s.

Overall dimensions (height x width x depth): 21.36 x 14.19 x 10.39 (cm).

Please click on the track names for additional pictures of the original instrument and a PLA 3D replica (track #2).

Tracklist

1.	Classic Maya Period (A.D. 600- 850) end-blown flute with an open-closed poly-globular resonator drilled with four finger holes (two protuberant & two flat ones) - sounded with a tunk'ul (slit drum), a pax (wooden drum #0819), two gourd rattles, and a two-tone holes clay ocarina (AAM 4600)	2:04

2.	Classic Maya Period (A.D. 600- 850) end-blown flute with an open-closed poly-globular resonator drilled with four finger holes (two protuberant & two flat ones) - duo improvisation #1 with a PLA 3D replica printed from a µCT (w/ overdubs)	0:43

3.	Classic Maya Period (A.D. 600- 850) end-blown flute with an open-closed poly-globular resonator drilled with four finger holes (two protuberant & two flat ones) - duo improvisation #2 with a PLA 3D replica printed from a µCT (w/ overdubs)	1:06

4.	Classic Maya Period (A.D. 600- 850) end-blown flute with an open-closed poly-globular resonator drilled with four finger holes (two protuberant & two flat ones) - four patterns executed twice in a row, corresponding to four distinct fingering positions (solo)	0:44

Credits

released May 11, 2024

Sonic artifact experimentally played & recorded by Jean-François Brohée using a Neumann TLM 193, an AKG C 414, & a Universal Audio 710 Twin-Finity preamplifier. © KMKG-MRAH.

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