Ebony Castanets (pair)

Features

• Each set is two pair of castanets.
• Made of kiln-dried ebony w/ durable nylon cord.

Product Description

The castanets, which belong to the percussion family, are sounded by clicking two similar wooden parts together. They are thought to have been ancient Egyptian instruments made of wood. Although there was no record of the castanets until the 16th century, they were depicted in art work as far back as the 13th century. In ancient Egypt the castanets were shaped like a small boot or like the very modern Spanish ones. They were also known in ancient Greece and are mentioned many times in Greco-Roman literature as krotalon, or krembalon, both meaning a dancer's instrument. Castanets remained in use in Spain throughout the Middle Ages and became known as the national instrument. Although relatively popular, they never became really well known much beyond southern Italy. The pair in the Coleman Collection is of the modern style and shape. They can be made from a variety of woods such as grenadilla, chestnut, box, or walnut. Both historically and today, castanets are played in two pairs. The player holds each pair in his or her hand passing the joining cord between the thumb and one finger. The dancers who use them both today and in the past have clicked them rhythmically or sounded long and short rolls. There are also sister versions of the castanets that are used in band music in Spain. They have long stems attached to each of the pairs. This type is also used for rhythm.

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