Yopihuehuetl, the Sound Instrument that Unleashed the Mexica War; Yopihuéhuetl, el instrumento sonoro que desencadenaba la guerra mexica

Abstract

This article examines the yopihuehuetl, a small membranophone made of gold and linked to Xipe Totec, which was used by warrior elites of central Mexico, during the Late Postclassic (1200-1521). It reflects on its physical characteristics, and its functions and temporality of its use are analyzed. In addition, a peculiar relationship, so far not mentioned, is exposed between hitting a drum, hitting enemies in combat and beating gold to obtain thin sheets.