The cajón (Spanish for “box”) is a percussion instrument in the form of a hollow wooden box with a thin front striking panel. The player sits astride the cajón and strikes this panel with the hands: a blow in the centre gives a low “bass” sound, at the edge a higher, “crackling” one, sometimes reinforced by internal strings or springs.
The cajón was born in Peru among African slaves, who — because drums were forbidden — adapted ordinary shipping crates for music. In the 20th century the guitarist Paco de Lucía brought the cajón to Spain, and it became an integral part of modern flamenco. Thanks to its simplicity, portability, and richness of sound, the cajón won world popularity, becoming a favourite instrument for acoustic performances — a kind of compact “drum kit” in a single box.
