The sound of thunder

A turtle-shell idiophone in the Classic Maya culture

Abstract

The turtle shell idiophone is an instrument known from iconographical and archaeological sources from the Preclassic through the Classic Period of the Maya culture (250 BCE – 900 CE). It appears in historical scenes depicting ritual sacrifices, processions, and dancing, and is typically included in a percussion band along with gourd rattles and a tall, cylindrical drum. The mythological contexts of the turtle shell idiophone appearance provide more information on the possible symbolic sig­nificance of its sound. The author analyzes all known depictions of this idiophone and contextual­izes them with archaeological findings, providing comprehensive information about the way this musical instrument looked and contexts of its use. Ultimately, the interpretation of the turtle shell’s sound as symbolically connected to the sound of thunder is verified.