Sonic Artefacts of Teotihuacan, Mexico (Horns, Trumpets and Pipes)

Abstract

This paper presents the acoustic study of a sample of sonic artefacts, in particular a selection of wind instruments (horns, trumpets and pipes), from the UNESCO World Heritage Centre of Teotihuacan, Mexico, based on a thorough examination of the accessible and playable archaeological finds and the construction and subsequent test of a series of experimental models. Combined with the archaeological and iconographical information, the study helps to deduce information with regard to the urban settings in which these instruments might have been used. It also reveals some basic acoustic components of the music once performed in Teotihuacan.

Keywords

• Teotihuacan
• musical instruments
• sonic artefacts
• aerophones
• horns
• trumpets