Ever wondered about Music around the world? Peru has a unique take!

Spanish, Andean, and African roots all influence the diversity and style in Peruvian music, specifically its instruments. Like other countries, music in Peru is very diverse. Spanish introduces harmonies and stringed instruments. Andean roots are vibrantly included in Peruvian wind instruments like the pinkullo (similar to flute). Lastly, African roots add to the diverse style through cultural percussion instruments.

A well known and unique Peruvian instrument is the cajón.

The cajón is in the percussion family, developed by Africans. A cajón is a box shaped instrument which you sit on and use the palms of your hands, and tips of your fingers to create intricate sounds.

The charango is an instrument influenced by the Andean.

The charango is unique based on its physical structure. The front side of the instrument looks normal like a small guitar with five strings. However, when you turn it around it changes into a shell-like shape. Another interesting feature about the charango is that it is made from an armadillo shell. Occasionally, they are also made from wood. The charango’s unique physical features and cultural influence makes it a worthy instrument for the national instrument of Peru.

A thin block-like instrument with six holes is known as a tarka.

The instrument shines of beauty with its intricate details. The music it makes is soft and delicate but the instrument itself is difficult to play, due to the long pauses of holding breaths.

A few other foreign instruments that are interesting are the huancar and tinya because specific genders are to play the instrument. Men play the huancar, which is a large drum while women play the tinya, which is a handmade small drum.

These distinct instruments strengthen the cultural diversity within Peruvian music.