Research Paper

Shell Trumpets from Western Mexico

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Abstract

Marine shells have been used as musical instruments in almost all parts of the world (Izikowitz 1935), including Mesoamerica, where large univalves, also called conch shells in the literature, had a utilitarian function as trumpets. Their use is well documented in most cultural areas of Mesoamerica, as in Western Mexico, through their various occurrences in archaeological contexts and museums collections.

Keywords: conch, shells, trumpets, shell trumpets

How to Cite: Novella, R. (1991) “Shell Trumpets from Western Mexico”, Papers from the Institute of Archaeology. 2(0). doi: https://doi.org/10.5334/pia.16