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Zapotecano - Buzz Marimba

The document describes a buzz marimba, also known as zapotecano, which is a traditional instrument from Guatemala and Mexico, donated to the PAS Museum by Emil Richards in 1993. This handmade instrument features a unique buzzing sound produced by a membrane of pig intestine and has a 4 1/2-octave range, crafted by the Mancilla family in the 1940s. The marimba is notable for its intricate woodwork and construction from various types of wood, highlighting its cultural significance and craftsmanship.

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16 views1 page

Zapotecano - Buzz Marimba

The document describes a buzz marimba, also known as zapotecano, which is a traditional instrument from Guatemala and Mexico, donated to the PAS Museum by Emil Richards in 1993. This handmade instrument features a unique buzzing sound produced by a membrane of pig intestine and has a 4 1/2-octave range, crafted by the Mancilla family in the 1940s. The marimba is notable for its intricate woodwork and construction from various types of wood, highlighting its cultural significance and craftsmanship.

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FROM THE PAS MUSEUM COLLECTION

ZAPOTECANO (BUZZ MARIMBA)


Donated by Emil Richards 1993-02-01

Native to the Central American countries of Guatemala and Mexico, buzz marimbas,
also known as a zapotecano, are considered by many to be the national instrument of
Guatemala. When performed in public, there are usually two instruments, each played
by three or more performers using rubber-ended mallets.
Although these marimbas are entirely handmade of wood, the unique buzzing sound
is produced by cutting a small hole in the resonator box, which is then covered by a
delicate membrane of pig intestine. The membrane, called a tela, is attached using
beeswax. The buzzing sound is referred to as charleo, which is a necessary sound for View from underneath the instrument showing
the tone of an authentic marimba from this region. As the instruments are handmade, the the resonators with the tela attached near the
frames are usually ornately carved or constructed with inlaid woodworking designs. point.
This instrument, which is 70 inches long and 38 inches high, has a 4 1/2-octave
chromatic range from C3 to F7. The 5/8-inch thick bars, which range in length from 5 3/4 inches to 18 1/2 inches, are made from
hormigo wood. The resonators, which are rectangular-shaped boxes with pointed ends, are made from Spanish cedar and range in
length from 1 1/2 inches to 23 1/2 inches.
It was made during the 1940s by the Mancilla family of marimba makers in Tuxtula Gutierrez, Chiapas, Mexico. It appears that the
original bars, frame, and ornate inlaid design are the work of the father, Cresencio, but there are repairs and modification to the legs
and resonators by his son, Alfredo.
—James A. Strain,
PAS Co-historian, and
Otice Sircy, PAS
Museum Curator and
Librarian with thanks to
Steve Chavez for his help.

Mexican Buzzing Marimba


manufactured by the
Mancilla family.
Detail showing the intricate, inlaid pattern
on the frame.

PERCUSSIVE ARTS SOCIETY MUSEUM • 701 NW Ferris Avenue • Lawton, Oklahoma • Phone: (580) 353-1455 • MUSEUM HOURS: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Friday, 1–4 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and holidays

PERCUSSIVE NOTES 120 OCTOBER 2005

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