Moth Cocoon Ankle Rattles

Description

The so-called teneboim is an idiophone instrument, its literal translation is wild cocoons, which belong to the "Cuartro Espejos," which translates to "Four Mirrors" butterfly; once dry, some small stones are placed inside; Once the process is finished with each of the cocoons, they are joined by a thick cotton thread, this thread or cord measures between 40 to 50 cm. In the case of its use by the Venado dancer, colored tassels are added to the ends of the cords which, while serving to firmly tie the téneboim to the legs, add a colorful touch. Sometimes the tassels are blue and red, alluding to heaven and hell.

It is used by the venado dancer, the Pascolas and Chapayecas, as anklets on their legs. They have an esoteric meaning that is difficult to decipher, since it does not seem irrelevant that for their manufacture the cocoons are grouped in pairs, one with a deep voice, which seems to represent a male entity, and the other with a high pitch, reminiscent of the female voice, suggesting a dialogue or a complementation of opposing principles (Varela, 1986). Another mythical meaning is that the teneboim represent the rattlesnakes, which tried to bring down the Yo'awa (deer) when he went down to the Yaqui River to drink water. Sensing their presence, he jumped back, the snakes launched an attack, but they only managed to wrap around the deer's legs.