Tajin for Solo Percussion and Soundscape - 7 Min.; 3 wood sounds, 6 skin sounds, 5 metal sounds, 1 pair of Maracas; Audio-File MP3 to download, advanced

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In the Veracruz region of Mexico, lie some mysterious archaeological ruins: El Tajin, meaning, "thunder" in the Toltec language. This large ancient complex is believed to have once been a ceremonial and commerce center; its construction has been attributed to a tribe related to the Mayas. Still, there are many questions about its inhabitants and the many buildings that today remain smothered in dense jungle vegetation. El Tajin is one of Mexico's most puzzling archaeological sites, as many of the structures seem to refer to the measurement of time. The Pyramid of Niches, with its 365 alcoves, suggests to archaeologists that this pyramid was used as some kind of calendar with each niche representing the days of the solar year. Game courts feature heavily here with over a dozen having been discovered already. It is clear that human sacrifices were made at El Tajin and that these rituals were connected with the games played here.