Cajon

The cajon, which derives from Spanish and is translated as "box", is an interesting drum.  It is made out of wood in the shape of a box (hence the name), and the top of the instrument has a seat upon which the player can sit, as well as a hole for the sound to escape from.  The cajon probably developed out of simple wooden crates that did double-duty as percussion for the African slaves who used them in Peru.  Though coming from a lowly wooden box, is an interesting drum with its own history and use in Latin American music, particularly Afro-Peruvian and Cuban music.

Usually, all sides of the box, except for the bottom that rests on the floor, can be played with the hands, producing interesting and exciting sounds. Sometimes, a metal wire with beads, similar to that found on a typical modern snare drum, is attached to one of the box faces, on the inside.  Striking this side creates a "poppy" sound similar to a snare drum.  The front cover, which is made of a lighter wood than the sides, makes higher tones, while the sides are of a lower tone, because they are made with thicker wood.  The percussionist can play the surfaces of the cajon with open palms, or with the fingers for additional sonic effects.