Several animals are frequently represented in musical instruments: armadillos, birds, dogs and monkeys. The object is worn, it depicts the frontal representation of a seated monkey with its legs bent and gathered on its bulging belly, with arms folded in upward position showing the palms of the hands. The tail appears folded in the back and protrudes from the back of the head.
The head, with two large circular eyes and a not very prominent nose, reminds one considerably of the hieroglyph ajaw, “lord, governor, king”. On the chest there is an ornament of beads with two hanging pieces and it is possible that between its legs the genitals could be seen. Some figures from the Popol Vuh were transformed into artisan monkeys, Hun Batz and Hun Chouen; which is why for the ancient Mayans the monkey was conceived with human qualities and was a patron of the scribes, although it was also related to sexuality, pleasure and play. A being with sacred qualities, perhaps it is why its flesh was never served as food for the ancient Mayans.
The small size and ergonomic shape of this piece made it possible to hold it in one's hand, which would completely cover the front of the instrument; perhaps its continued use led to its being deterioration.
The Amparo Museum has a similar whistle of an anthropomorphic and standing monkey, which is also wearing a pendant and its belly is equally bulky.
Several animals are frequently represented in musical instruments: armadillos, birds, dogs and monkeys. The object is worn, it depicts the frontal representation of a seated monkey with its legs bent and gathered on its bulging belly, with arms folded in upward position showing the palms of the hands. The tail appears folded in the back and protrudes from the back of the head.
