Maya Ceramic Scene "A dancer and two musicians"

This motif is taken from a Maya ceramic. It shows a palace scene. To the left, we can see a dancer. On the floor there is a mirror, made of obsidian or pyrite. Behind him, there are two musicians. The first one is playing a string instrument which produces a grave sound similar to the roar of the jaguar. It consists of a ceramic bowl, covered with animal hide. The bowl has an opening which is “T”-shaped. In maya writing, this is a hieroglyph meaning “breath” or “soul”. A string connects the bowl with a wooden stick which is played by rubbing another bumpy stick on it. The second musician holds a huge ratchet in his arms to produce another impressive penetrating sound.