Campeche, Mexico (possibly)
Mixtec

Copper
ca. 900 CE to 1200 CE
Length: 2.25 in
Idiophones – Struck – Indirectly 

Bells of various sorts had been long associated with the Mixtec people.  Metal bells serve as a form of rattles and it is believed they had special meaning to the Mixtec and Tarascan cultures ca. 900 to 1200 CE.  These bells are cast from copper via the lost wax method.  They are elongated, teardrop shaped with an opening slit across the bottom for emitting tones.  Looking past the heavy patina, one has an ‘X’ at the upper portion of the bell, and the other has zigzagging and spiraling geometric motifs applied to the upper portion of the body.

These two bells retain their rattle balls and produce pleasing, tinkling sounds.  They are enveloped in heavy green and blue patina. Metallurgy was introduced into the region around 900 CE and many Mesoamerican cultures used metals for ornamentation, though their tools and weaponry remained of a Neolithic style.  Many experts agree that Mixtec metal wares set the standard for Mesoamerican cultures.