Pre-Columbian Maya Valveless Tube Trumpets

Abstract

There are some 77 representations of non-conch shell pre-Columbian trumpets known, but only one extant ceramic version survives. The others are known from paintings, engravings, and sculptures. Of these there appear to be two primary types: long-widening tube trumpets and wrapped trumpets. In this paper I discuss the evidence for these instruments, their materials and means of manufacture, their sonic signatures, and their uses.