HUÉHUETL: DECORATIONS AND REPRESENTATIONS - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2025

The huéhuetl is an American percussion instrument that was used primarily by the Mayans, Aztecs, and other related Mesoamerican cultures. This instrument was used during the celebration of their parties, ritual acts and in warlike events.

Likewise, the huéhuetl was generally played together with the teponaztli -another percussion instrument-, since it was believed that both instruments were gods who had been banished to earth in the form of drums. Therefore, they were considered sacred and were intended to direct those rhythms that formed a crucial part of all major ceremonies and festivities.

Macuilxochitl singing and playing the huéhuetl. Source: Bourbon Codex (public domain)

Regarding the etymology of the word huéhuetl, some researchers affirm that it can be translated as hollow or sound very far away; Others point out that it is an abbreviated word whose origin must have been huehuetlatoa, composed of huehue "old" and tlatoa, "to speak / sing": the old singer.

On the other hand, some specialists indicate that the name of the instrument has to do with the type of wood used to make it. These are wood from trees that take a long time to grow and which, according to the indigenous people, possess the wisdom of time.

The two drums: the

The drum was one of the musical instruments that Mesoamerican civilizations most used during the celebration of their festivals, rituals and in war.

Some authors affirm that, together with the other musical instruments, the teponaztli and the huéhuetl constitute a clear example of the great cultural development that the Mexica reached.

It is impossible to speak of the huehuetl without mentioning the teponaztli. These two instruments are usually represented together in the codices, as for example in the Florentine Codex, in which its players can be seen showing the correct way of playing them.

These drums are also mentioned in the texts of the chroniclers, where they refer to them as related to the point that they gave a wonderful harmony in their sound, which was accompanied by other instruments.

The manufacture of these instruments was the object of special attention. In fact, the task could only be performed by certain dedicated individuals. In addition, it has been observed that some of these drums are smoked and charred in some parts, so it is thought that a kind of bracero was used to temper them.

The huéhuetl

The huéhuetl was built in a single piece, starting from a tree trunk 0.4 to 0.6 meters in diameter and 0.8 to 1 meter high. It is hollowed out and its walls have a thickness between 0.04 to 0.08 meters.

In the lower part of the instrument there are three to five feet that serve as a support and with which it rests on the ground. This instrument can be struck by hand or with wooden sticks.

The huéhuetl appears in the codices generally covered by a tiger skin, which can be recognized by the stains of the hair that they conserve in the part that turns on the cylinder. Deer skin was also used.

The teponaztli

This is a vertical xylophone that can be carved from different types of wood. Later, it is carefully hollowed out by means of fire and using obsidian utensils. At the top, it has one or two reeds whose shape is similar to that of an H.

To make a teponaztli, it was necessary to have a vast knowledge of acoustics, as well as a developed musical system.

The teponaztli was struck with two rubber-covered sticks, known by the name of olmaitl. The reeds on this instrument have the ability to produce one to four quite varied sounds, but this depends on thickness and length.

The huéhuetl was generally played alongside the teponaztli. Source:, via Wikimedia Commons

The huéhuetl of Cuauhtinchan

Cuauhtinchan was a ceremonial city inhabited by the Mexica, where warriors were trained and were awarded different ranks. At present, this city is part of Malinalco, a state of Mexico located in the center of the country.

This town was the spiritual training center for the eagle, jaguar and snake warriors, the military and spiritual elite of the Mexica. From this place comes one of the few wooden objects or organic material of pre-Hispanic origin preserved in almost perfect condition.

It is a huéhuetl, which was made of Tepehuaje wood. However, the material from which the head covering the soundboard was made is still unknown.

It was protected for centuries by the inhabitants of Malinalco, who hid it behind a virgin in the main church of the town, thus saving it from its destruction by conquering hands.

Subsequently, by order of the Governor of the State of Mexico José Vicente Villada (1843-1904), the receipt of this instrument was transmitted to the Mexican government, remaining for several decades in the Museum of Archeology of the State of Mexico. Today it is in the National Museum of Anthropology and History.

Decorations of the huéhuetl of Cuauhtinchan

Among the engravings that decorate the entire drum, the figure of Xochipilli stands out, who within Mexican mythology is awarded the role of the god of love and flowers, but also of games, corn and beauty.

This god wears an eagle costume. Its wings are attached to a twine, under which eight chalchíhuitl can be seen. For the Mexica, these were symbols of precious objects. Under the peak of the costume, next to each side of the feet, is the representation of the song.

The god carries a rattle in one hand and a kind of fan in the other. Likewise, on his wrists he wears an ornament made up of flowers and bows. These trappings can be seen in other codices.

Another figure that decorates this instrument is Nahui Ollin, who represents the power with which the Sun King makes the planets spin. Accompanying these characters are three jaguar warriors and two eagle warriors.

The eagle and jaguar warriors in the huéhuetl de Cuauhtinchan

One of the representations of the eagle warriors is next to Nahui Ollin and another on one of the supports, which are in the shape of a battlement. Between the feathers of the wings and the tail is a flint knife and water comes out of its eyes, as if it were tears.

The eagle warrior carries representations of sacrifice and war in his hands. Three images of the jaguar warriors are seen; one next to Nahui Ollin and two others on the supports.

References

1. Arroyo SR (2012). Huéhuetl, instrument of war The Huéhuetl de Malinalco. Retrieved on December 4, 2019 from: pdfs.semanticscholar.org
2. Castaneda D, Mendoza V. The Huehuetls in pre-Cortesian civilizations. Retrieved on December 5, 2019 from: mna.inah.gob.mx
3. León-Portilla M. Music in the universe of Nahuatl culture. Retrieved on December 4, 2019 from historicas.unam.mx
4. Pareyón G. (2005). The teponaztli in the Mexican musical tradition: notes on prosody and rhythm. Retrieved on December 5, 2019 from: xochicuicatl.files.wordpress.com
5. Guzman JA. (2018). Mexican ceremonial music. Retrieved on December 4, 2019 from researchgate.net