Abstract

BROHEE, Jean François. Itzamnaaj yaxte’: Analysis of a Poly-globular Effigy Flute of the Classic Maya Period Preserved at the Musical Instruments Museum in Brussels, Belgium. Estud. cult. maya [online]. 2023, vol.61, pp.93-135.  Epub June 26, 2023. ISSN 0185-2574.  https://doi.org/10.19130/iifl.ecm/61.002x4856001sm4.

Since the dawn of the Late Preclassic Period, the archetypical figure of the Old Man started to adorn a variety of artifacts manufactured by Maya artists and artisans. This article aims to present and examine an unprovenanced effigy-flute whose poly-globular resonator has been adorned with the visage of the toothless nonhuman being. Traditionally referred as God N, God D, or Itzamnaaj/Itzam Kokaaj, depending on the context and his sphere of control, this theopolymorphic figure has been the subject of numerous extensive investigations. The fact that his wrinkled face has also been applied to the body of prestige woodwind artifacts suggests a possible symbolic link between the divinity, the sonorous field, the instrumental practice, and ritual performances. However, the topic has received little scholarly attention. Dated from the Late Classic period and registered under inventory number 1981.033, this aerophone is currently part of the Musée des Instruments de Music’s permanent collection (mim) held in Brussels, Belgium. Furthermore, this sounding artifact shall be considered as a unique example of sonorous mediation with the supersensible given the fact that it combines significant iconographic features with a specific organological configuration. Therefore, the analysis of the flute contributes to better comprehend the figure of the elderly Maker.

Keywords : God D/Itzamnaaj; poly-globular flute; organology; iconology.