The teponaztli is a drum from pre-Hispanic Mexico. It was used by the inhabitants of the area who called themselves Mexica. The word teponaztli is from the Nahuatl language, spoken by indigenous Mexicans to this day. However, the meaning of the word is disputed. The most agreed upon meaning of the word is “hollowed out” while some argue that it means “touching the back with the hands”, “filling a thing with air” and that it might be associated with feminine sexuality or femininity in general.  The instrument was and continuous to be of great importance to the indigenous people of Mexico. It was played during religious rituals, war, funerals, celebrations, and other gatherings. It is considered by the Mexica to be a sacred object, specifically a manifestation of the divine being Teponaztli who was banished from the heavens by the Sun God and forced to assume the shape of a musical instrument. It was for this reason that the instrument was only allowed to be played or touched by members of the government and women were especially not allowed to play the instrument or be around it. It is this piece of information that informs the performance of Pulso. In an act of rebellion and generational liberation, women take the sacred instrument and partake in the divine ritual that was forbidden for their ancestors.