Contextual Associations

Claves are concussion stick idiophones of Cuban origin. They are a standard rhythmic instrument in Latin American dance band music, especially the Cuban rumba and son, and have occasionally been written for in some orchestral, band, and percussion ensemble pieces. Jazz band orchestrations might also call for the clave when a Latin dance rhythm is being used, although trap set players might imitate their sound with rim-shot strokes. It is one of those instruments that when heard in whatever musical setting is capable of indexing Latin America in general and even Afro-Cuban music culture in particular, even if that is not the performers’ intent.

Description

Claves consist either of two matched cylindrical hardwood sticks (the instrument on the right in the photo) or a large and small hardwood stick with an arched cut in the middle of the larger one (the instrument on the left). A resonant hardwood such as granadilla wood is desirable.

Player - Instrument Interface and Sound Production

With both models, the player holds one (or the larger) stick in the cupped palm of one hand and strikes it with the other stick held by its end in the other hand. Claves produce a sharp, clear and penetrating sound that can hold its own in even large ensembles. While its technique and the rhythms played on it are simple, in Afro-Cuban musical practice only a really strong musician should play the claves because its part is central to holding the entire ensemble together.

Origins/History/Evolution

One theory as to the origins of the claves is that they were re-purposed wooden pegs used for ship repairs in Cuban harbors. The clave rhythm that is so central to several Cuban dance forms is known to have been around since the 1850s, possibly played at that time on these concussion sticks.

Bibliographic Citations

Blades, James. 1970. Percussion Instruments and Their History. New York: Frederick A. Praeger, Publishers.

________. 1984. “Claves,” NGDMI v.1: 415.

Manuel, Peter. 2006. Caribbean Currents: Caribbean Music from Rumba to Reggae. Revised and expanded edition. Philadelphia: Temple University Press.

Tourtrol, Gérard. 1997. Cuba: The Valera Miranda Family. CD with booklet. Ocora C 560107.