This is an Aztec flute that my dad was gifted.
An object that my family keeps as a sort of heirloom is a flute in the shape of an Aztec soldier. The material it seems to be made of is stone or clay, or even both as some parts of it look like they were chipped to make their shape. The robe part that hangs around their feet is the mouthpiece, and there are six holes on the Aztec’s chest that you use to change the sound. The sound it produces  comes out of the headpiece the soldier is wearing. I still haven’t figured out how to play it, though it seems fairly easy even if it is not designed like a typical instrument. The object came from Mexico, which is where my dad was born. My dad told me about it when I asked about it while I was in elementary school. My dad told me it is relevant to our heritage, although I don’t know why. I do know that he is really interested in anything Aztec, and he has a few tattoos of their gods on his arm. This object is important because it feels like a piece of where my dad is from that he brought with him.

– Matthew Rivea

Relationship:  Child of im/migrant Child of im/migrant