chajchas
Chajchas (also chapchas; Spanish: uñas, "toenails") are a small percussion instrument of the rattle family, typically made from goat or sheep hooves, and originating in the Central Andes. The instrument is used in traditional rituals and ceremonies, and can also be heard in much of the folk music of the region, especially the countries of Colombia, Bolivia, Peru, Chile, Ecuador. It consists of a number of dried hooves (which may also come from llamas or alpacas) strung onto a colorful piece of fabric, often elasticated, which allows the instrument to be worn as a bracelet around the wrist or ankle.
chajchas
Ana Orero · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Name
- Chajchas
- Field
- rattle
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Documentary summary
Chajchas (also chapchas; Spanish: uñas, "toenails") are a small percussion instrument of the rattle family, typically made from goat or sheep hooves, and originating in the Central Andes. The instrument is used in traditional rituals and ceremonies, and can also be heard in much of the folk music of the region, especially the countries of Colombia, Bolivia, Peru, Chile, Ecuador. It consists of a number of dried hooves (which may also come from llamas or alpacas) strung onto a colorful piece of fabric, often elasticated, which allows the instrument to be worn as a bracelet around the wrist or ankle.
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wikidata · Q5764117 · wikipedia · Chajchas
In this article
Overview
Overview
They are typically played in pairs, and may be used in ceremonial dances.
Key facts
Key facts
• Name — Chajchas • Names — Chapchas; Uñas • Background — percussion • Classification — Percussion • Hornbostel Sachs — 112.1 • Hornbostel Sachs Desc — Shaken Idiophones or Rattles
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The Encyclopedia exists whether or not anything is for sale. Corrections are recorded rather than overwritten, and every version of this record is kept. Published 16 August 2026.
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