The picture below is from the instruments exhibit at the La Azotea cultural center near Antigua Guatemala, with a description first provided in Spanish, and then with an English translation.
TAMBORES
Los Mayas pre-colombinos del periodo clásico utilizaron varios tipos de tambores: tambores pequeños hechos de barro, tambores dobles de cerámica, timbales, tambores cuadrados y el par un madero vaciado, relativamente largo, probablemente de pino, con un único parche superior de piel de jaguar o venado. Todos estos tambores se tocaban con las monos.
Después de la conquista, los tambores fueron modificados, pero mantuvieron su importancia en la vida espiritual de los Mayas. Actualmente los tambores son símbolo de los ancianos y de todos los que has realizado servicios religiosos. Conservan la forma cilíndrica de piel de cabra. El tamaño de los tambores varia según su aplicación. Desde la época pre-Hispánica hasta el presente, los tambores son tocados únicamente por hombres . Acompañan siempre los rituales que marcan el calendario sagrado Maya la Cotardía, procesiones y danzas tradicionales.
DRUMS
The pre-Hispanic Maya used various types of drums: small drums made from pottery, ceramic double drums, square drums and the Pax: a relatively long hollow log, probably of pine wood, with one end covered by jaguar of deer skins. All these drums were beaten with the hand.
After the conquest, the Maya drums were modified but still retained their spiritual importance and religious functions. Modern drums are played with mallets and vary greatly in size and specific application. Most have cylindrical shapes, with goat skin covers. Since pre-Hispanic days, drums have been played exclusively by men and accompanied rites marked by the Sacred Maya calendar, the Cofradia rites and with processions and traditional dances.
