Chácaras
Hand percussion similar to castanets but larger, characteristic of La Gomera and El Hierro.
- Family
- Percussion
- Area
- La Gomera and El Hierro
History
Chácaras belong to a tradition passed down for generations on La Gomera and El Hierro. Although no pre-conquest documentation establishes their origin, their handmade construction and repertoire have become a distinctive expression of both islands.
Characteristics
They consist of two concave pieces, usually carved from wood, joined by a cord and struck together in one hand. A pair combines a larger, deeper male chácara with a smaller, higher female one that performs the faster pattern.
Where it is used
On La Gomera they accompany the drum in ballads, songs and traditional dances; on El Hierro they also take part in island dances and celebrations. Gomera chácaras tend to be larger, while those from El Hierro are more compact.
