The Americas
Claves
A member of the percussion family. Simply made of two thick pieces of wood (or plastic), the Claves are played by cupping one and striking it with the other to produce a bright clicking sound.
Guiro
A member of the percussion family. A popular percussion instrument in South America, the Guiro has groves up the side. The instrument is played by running a thin stick up and down the groves.
Native American Drums
A member of the percussion family. A typical drum made from a frame covered with an animal skin, these drums are used most often for Native American ceremonies.
Native American Flute
A member of the winds family. One of the only wind instruments to contain two "wind chambers", the Native American flute produces a unique sound that was used for ceremonies and spiritual events.
Rattles
A member of the percussion family. Another Native American percussion instrument, the Rattle is an enclosed shape filled with beads or small stones. This instrument is believed to have healing and other mystical powers by the Native Americans.
Tortuga
A member of the percussion family. An ancient Mayan instrument, the Tortuga is quite literally a dried turtle shell that is struck by a mallet to produce a sound similar to the modern day wood block.
Whistles
A member of the winds family. Also called the "Ocarina", these instruments were made of clay and produce tones that replicate the animals (particularly birds) of South America.
Zampona
A member of the winds family. Created by straping together a series of reed tubes, the Zampona resembles the "Pan-Pipes" of Europe. Traditionally played in the Andean mountains where the air is to thin to play without risking passing out, most Zampona players worked in pairs and would trade notes back and forth creating a stereo effect.
