Fascinating Artifacts from Aztec Origins
The "death whistles," or ehecachichtli, are ceramic objects dating back to the golden age of the Aztec civilization, between the 13th and 16th centuries. Discovered in the 1990s during excavations in Mexico, these astonishing artifacts are sculpted in the shape of skulls and produce shrill, human-like screams. Their discovery, particularly in tombs and sacrificial sites, has fueled theories about their ritual use and symbolic meaning.
Sounds Straight Out of a Horror Movie
According to a recent study conducted by neuroscientists from the University of Zurich, these whistles emit sounds that are extremely unsettling to the human ear. Described as "harsh," "piercing," and "frightening," they provoke immediate negative reactions in listeners. These sounds, blending natural and artificial tones, disorient the brain and evoke feelings of fear or unease.
Hypotheses About Their Use
Scientists have explored three main hypotheses about these whistles:
- A psychological weapon: used to intimidate enemies on the battlefield.
- A connection to sacrificial cults: associated with Mictlantecuhtli, the Aztec god of the underworld.
- A ritualistic function: designed to mimic natural sounds, such as wind, in homage to the wind god Ehecatl.
Their discovery in burial sites suggests these objects played an important role in funerary ceremonies or human sacrifices.
An Enduring Sonic Mystery
To better understand their effects, researchers conducted psychoacoustic experiments on 70 volunteers. The results revealed that the sounds of the whistles are perceived as "unnatural" and aversive, reinforcing the hypothesis of their ritualistic role. This sonic ambiguity, blending human-like screams and artificial breath, explains why they continue to captivate and unsettle even five centuries after the fall of the Aztecs.
A Timeless Sonic Legacy
These whistles remain a source of inspiration, not only for researchers but also for horror filmmakers and enthusiasts of ancient cultures. Their ability to evoke intense emotions highlights the power of sound in spiritual practices and the collective imagination.
