I just learned about these from watching a video and wanted to know more. Thought it'd be cool to share with you all.
The Aztec Death, Life, or Wind Resonators were used throughout Ancient Mexico. They are all wind Resonators (basically a really big or small and fancy whistle). Wind Resonators have been used throughout the world by different cultures -- mostly for the creation of various instruments. However, the Aztecs used them for a different reason.
The Aztec's made their Wind Resonators to copy the sound of animal calls, winds, and even storms!
Most of the Resonators were designed with images carved into them. Some were of skulls, others of animals. One found near the Gulf of Mexico was an owl -- in Aztec culture, a symbol associated with death.
It is highly likely that the Aztec's copied the designs of their whistles from former/nearby Empires, such as the Maya. Some of these Resonators were buried with corpses.
However, these whistles disappeared when the Spanish Conquistadors came, along with other special artifacts and objects belonging to Aztec culture. (MY OPINION -- it's likely that the Conquistadors stole/pillaged these objects to show them off in Spain or sold them to someone to show them off).
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It is unknown if these whistles were used in battle. (I'd like to think so -- I'll explain that in a minute). However, it is believed by many Historians that these whistles were most likely used in Rituals, Festivals, or other related events within Aztec Culture.
Without further ado -- here is the crazy Aztec Death Whistle. For those who get freaked out by scary or creepy noises, here's your warning:
Well anyway. Maybe more creepy than scary, right? :) But I want you to imagine this --
Your long boat lands on the beaches of a brand new world. You put on your metal helmet as your commander mounts his horse. The flag of Spain flies above you.
You and your comrades follow that flag into the thick forest. Vines and brush are everywhere. Bugs buzz in your ear and you try to swat them away. Perhaps you see a jaguar in the distance or hear monkeys chattering in the trees.
You think to yourself, this is an entirely new world. Dangerous. Yet, so fascinating.
But then you hear this low howl. You think it's the wind. But there is something wrong. It can't be the wind. Soon, hundreds of these ominous sounds begin to screech across the forest. It seems it's coming from everywhere. Then you hear a thick rattling accompanying the howl.
The noise begins to unnerve the horses. They cry in terror as thick, bellowing drums boom across the unending forest. The Commander's horse rears as the drums grow closer, and closer. Your fellow soldier start to talk nervously among each other. Some ready their harquebus, while most unsheathe their swords. Eventually, war cries fill the air and the fight for your life begins.
Here's a video I made using those descriptions. Enjoy :)
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Now granted. Most Conquistadors would draw Aztec soldiers out to a more open field -- so that their cavalry (horsemen) could be used efficiently -- cutting down many warriors. And now these Spanish Conquistadors weren't just wearing basic leather armor. The Conquistadors were basically encased from head to toe in a steel shell. They were well trained, European Soldiers who were seeking glory and gold from the New World. It was unlikely that the Aztecs stood a chance against the Spanish. Unless, they drew them into the thick forest. The Spanish could get lost, they could get ambushed. Nature could take its course, and wild beast could attack them. It's hard to say.
If you wanna know more about the Spanish Conquest of the New World let me know. There are plenty of first source documents written by people who lived during that time -- mostly Spanish accounts of course.
This is the main video from where I got my information, and an extra link if you wanna check 'em out:
Hope you enjoyed. Have a great day!
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