Cajon

/kɑːˈhoʊn/ noun

Definition

A wooden box-shaped percussion instrument that you hit with your hands or brushes to make rhythmic sounds, popular in Latin and flamenco music.

Etymology

From Spanish 'cajón' meaning 'box' or 'drawer.' The word comes from Latin 'capsa' (box). Cajónes were originally used as makeshift drums in Spanish colonies when proper drums were unavailable.

Kelly Says

The cajon is proof that musicians can create incredible rhythm from everyday objects—enslaved peoples in Peru repurposed storage boxes into one of the most infectious percussion instruments in world music.

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