The Haunting Sounds of Pre-Columbian Religious Music

As I have asked before, how can two simple musical instruments playing uncomplicated and repetitive rhythms create a profound, hauntingly, bewitching and fascinating musical experience? How can Guatemalans explain to other people the spiritual fibers that are touched by the fragile and high-pitched notes of the chirimilla flute and the heartbeat thumps emanating from the … Read more

Drummer and Chirimilla Flute Player in Antigua Guatemala

Drummer and Chirimilla Flute Player in Antigua Guatemala by Rudy Giron

The haunting Mayan sounds of the chirimilla flute and drums can still be heard at most religious and public events. Unfortunately, while talking with the musicians, I learned that one the chirimilla flute retires no one in his family or descendants will continue his legacy. I believe this is repeating with many indigenous Mayan families … Read more

Traditional Guatemalan Musical Instruments

In the photo above you can observe several percussion traditional Guatemalan musical instruments like chinchines (the black rattles made from gourds, seeds and other objects), tortuga (turtle shell), shellfish shell, drum, sonajas (rattles) and the omnipresent marimba (which you saw yesterday). Guatemala has a rich assortment of traditional musical instruments which are used in the … Read more