NOTE: This is a digital PDF tutorial. Immediately after purchase you will be given an instant access link to download this PDF on your device.

I’ve long been intrigued by the Aztecs. They were a people who lived in central Mexico from the 14th to 16th centuries and are best known for their ornate monuments and spectacular empire remains. They are also notorious for cannibalism and human sacrifices.

Skull imagery seems to be synonymous with ancient Aztec culture. From stone tablets to monuments and everything in between, the Aztecs had a thing for human skulls. They were infamous for using human skulls to intimidate their enemies. One of the more interesting tools of the Aztec intimidation trade is now referred to as the Aztec Death Whistle.

Aztec Death Whistles were made from clay. They were essentially a unique whistle body enveloped in a molded clay skull that made an eerie wailing sound when blown. They were blown in great numbers along jungle hillsides, by Aztec warriors, before battle to drive fear into the hearts, minds, and souls of their enemies.

While I think that use is remarkably interesting, as a Survival Instructor, I’m more impressed with the notion of crafting a whistle from clay. As we know, a signal whistle of any kind, is just as good at getting the attention of would-be rescuers as it is at intimidating one’s enemy. In this tutorial, I’ll teach you how to make your very own clay Aztec Death Whistle.