The picture below is from a tour of the La Azotea cultural center in Antigua Guatemala — information is provided first in Spanish and then translated into English.
CHIRIMIA
La chirimia, instrumento dificil de otcar, fud introducida por los espanoles y es de origen moro y arabe. Es similar a un oboe primitivo y produce un tipico sonido melancolico. Esto podria explicar su aceptacion por parte de los indigenas quienes lo adaptaron a sus tradiciones natives. La chirimia aun se usa entre los diferentes grupos mayas, se toca en las casas de la Cofradia, en la iglesia, encabezando una procesion y acompanando la danza de La Conquista. Siempre se acompana de un tambor de tamano mediano.
THE CHIRIMIA
The chirimia, a difficult instrument to play, was introduced by the Spanish and is of Moorish and Arabic origin. Similar to a primitive oboe, it produces a sad sound. This may explain its appeal to the indigenous peoples who adapted it to their native traditions. The chirimia, still in use among the different Mayan groups, is played in the houses of the Cofradia, at the church, at the head of a procession and in the dance of the Conquest.
The main body of the chirimia is usually made of cherry wood. The mouthpiece, consisting of dry palm leaf folded into triangular shape, is attached with a cord to a metal and wooden pipe. The mouthpiece or reed must be completely dampened to produce a sound.
