Castanets
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The Round Clappers of the castanets are small enough to fit easily in the hands. Their hollowed faces click loudly when clapped together. In Spanish dancing, the lef t hand plays the "male" castanet, which is hollowed more deeply to give a lower pitch, while the right hand plays the "female" of the pair. Orchestral castanets are tied on handles, making them easier to play rhythmically.
| Family |
| Percussions |
| Pitch range |
| None. |
| Material |
| Wood or plastic. |
| Size |
| Variable, but usually about 1-2 in (2.5-5 cm) across. |
| Origins |
| Hand-held clappers have accompanied dancing since ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman times. The form of the castanets developed in Spain, where they play an important role in traditional dancing. |
| Classification |
| Idiophone: an instrument that produces its sound through the use of the material from which it is made, without needing strings or a stretched skin. |
| And also... |
| Although "castaña" means chestnut in Spanish, castanets are usually made from walnut, boxwood, rosewood, ebony, or ivory. |
