 | |
| Percussion instrument | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Chapchas; Uñas |
| Classification | Percussion |
| Hornbostel–Sachs classification | 112.1 (Shaken Idiophones or Rattles) |
Chajchas (alsochapchas;Spanish:uñas, "toenails") are a smallpercussion instrument of therattle family, typically made fromgoat orsheep hooves, and originating in theCentral Andes. The instrument is used in traditional rituals and ceremonies, and can also be heard in much of the folk music of the region,[1] especially the countries ofColombia,Bolivia,Peru,Chile,Ecuador.[2]
It consists of a number of driedhooves (which may also come fromllamas oralpacas) strung onto a colorful piece of fabric, often elasticated, which allows the instrument to be worn as a bracelet around the wrist or ankle. They are typically played in pairs, and may be used inceremonial dances.[3]