The huehuetl (pronounced weh weht) or Grandfather drum (translated as Ancient one) is the main beat carrier of each dance. Originally played with the hands, these beautifully crafted drums are made from hollowed out tree trunks. It took the instrument makers many months to hollow out the trunk with hot poker and to carve the intricate designs; which were created with obsidian carving tools.
The use of the huehuetl dates back thousands of years and is a very religious instrument; being blessed each time before it is used.
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