ChirimÃÂa (sometimes chirisuya in Peru) is a Spanish term for a type of woodwind instrument similar to an oboe. The chirimÃÂa is a member of the shawm family of double-reed instruments, introduced to North, Central and South America in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries by the Spanish clergy.
Usage of the chirimÃÂa varies widely across Iberomerica and Iberia itself, with the instrument being extinct in some areas, but a living tradition in others.
The chirimÃÂa and drum are used to accompany religious processions and annual commemorative dance-dramas in many remote areas of Latin America, including Jacaltenango, Guatemala. The music produced is quite unique and varies from one region to another. This tradition is an adaptation of the pre-Columbian practice of accompanying religious ceremonies and processions with drums, flutes, and whistles.
There are two types of chirimÃÂas in Guatemala, a small one and a large one. The size of the holes and their location determine the sound of the small or large chirimÃÂas. In some parts of Latin America, as in Jacaltenango, small and large chirimÃÂas are played together with small and large drums.
The regular chirimÃÂa has 10 holes, while the Guatemalan and Mexican chirimÃÂa has 6 to 10 holes. Although the outward appearance of the chirimÃÂas and the number and size of holes vary regionally throughout Mexico and Guatemala, these chirimÃÂas are all double-reeded wooden instruments. Some of the chirimÃÂas have a conical bore, while others have a cylindrical bore. The types of reeds and manner in which they are kept in place also vary.
The Jakaltek chirimÃÂa, called suâ in the Jakaltek language, is very similar to the chirimÃÂas of central and southern Mexico. The Jakaltek chirimÃÂa is 34.5 cm long, without the double-reed in place. The wooden part is 27 centimeters long and has a cylindrical bore, with 6 vertical holes, and 2 lateral holes. The mouthpiece consists of a staple, a tapered metal cylinder, that is wrapped with string and topped with a wooden pirouette. The bulbous bottom portion of the staple fits snugly into the wooden portion of the instrument, but can be easily removed for cleaning.