Text in this orange colour indicates that similar instruments can be found on every continent
Lots of Littles Kit - Where it comes from Woodpecker
This is a modern invention and its closest relation is probably the European wood block - a hollow block of wood that resounds when hit by another bit of wood (in this case the woodpecker’s beak).
Bamboo thunder drum
Like the frog twirler this is a European variation of the “friction” drum. In all these drums the drumskin is made to vibrate by movements in the hoir, string or spring.
Coconut castanets Simplified version of a classic Spanish instrument, used to accompany dance.
One bar chime
It’s possible that chime bars developed in Nepal or China as aids to meditation.
Pad shaker Mini ping pong shaker
Wind chimes are thought to have originated in Japan, where bamboo was used before metal was readily available.
Mini pangi shaker Mini kenari shaker Mini bento shaker
Two more modern inventions -and like all shakers the sound is made by hard beads or seeds that move inside a resonant container.
Simple shakers using seeds or nuts are found all over the world. These three are made from the husks of the seeds of the Pangi, Kenari and Bento trees that grow in Indonesia. Each seed husk makes a different sound.
Frog twirler This wonderful instrument is a variation on the kuika and hair drums found on every continent.
Horio shaker Frog scraper
Pangi bracelet shaker Kenari bracelet shaker Bento bracelet shaker
This is a type of guiro, a mainstay of south American percussion but found on every continent. Originally made from hollow gourds, bones, wood or stone, they come in all shapes and sizes.
Bracelet shakers are found all over the world and are usually worn by dancers. These three are made from the husks of the seeds of the Pangi, Kenari and Bento trees that grow in Indonesia. Each seed husk makes a different sound.
Bamboo shaker Eggs-on-stick Egg shaker
Clapsticks A very ancient instrument that has been found on every continent and can be made from wood, stone, bones or ivory.
Simple gourd or bamboo shakers are found in all cultures and the egg shakers are a modern variation.
Pod shaker
Rainstick 40cm Rainstick block The rainstick probably originated with the Incas in Peru and is now found throughout south America, where it’s made using cactus plants, and southeast Asia, where it’s made using bamboo.
Mini wind chime
Super mini kenkeni This is a type of dundun drum found in Mali and Guinea in west Africa. Similar doubleheaded drums are also found in Europe, the Balkans, India, China and Japan.
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Djembe
Cow bell
Kokokan
Cow bells of different types are found all over the world, A style of drum with a wherever animal husbandry distinctive “hour glass” shape, that is made and has developed. These metal played all over west Africa ones are typically African and the wooden one is and particularly in and from Indonesia. around Mali.
Monkey drum
An eastern African hand drum that you twirl between the palms of both hands. Very similar to the damaru, an ancient Tibetan drum.
This instrument literally grows on trees. It’s the giant seed pod of the Flamboyant tree, which grows in Africa, SE Asia Caxixi shaker and Australasia. The tree is a relative of the acacia A classic African shaker made from tree that grows in the UK. rattan with seeds or stones inside.
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