Castanets

From DIMA

An idiophonic percussion instrument of indefinite pitch, it is built out of two small pieces of hardwood – Brazilian rosewood, rosewood, ivory etc – in the shape of a chestnut sectioned in two parts tied with a cord. This is the version used especially in Spanish or South-American dance music, the castanets being attached on the fingers 1, 2 or 3, or in the palm of the hand. The effect produced is dry and penetrant. The instrument originates on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean, in Phoenicia, from where was afterwards brought to Spain.