áyotl
musical instrument
Quick Summary
The áylotl was a friction idiophone from ancient Mexico, specifically played by the Aztec people. This instrument was made from a tortoise shell that was rubbed on its underside with a stick to produce sound. Friction idiophones are a category of musical instruments where sound is created by rubbing a smooth surface on the instrument's body. While not widespread among all indigenous American groups, the áylotl is a notable example of this type of instrument within Central Mexican musical traditions.12
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