Set of LP Claves: Museum Object and Cultural History

The object in the museum catalogue

These claves were made by Latin Percussion Inc. in Garfield, New Jersey, in 1999. They are made of maple.

As indicated in an LP brochure from the period, “Clave (pronounced clah'vay) is the rhythmic pattern that forms the basis of Latin music. Clave is phrased in what is known as a 3/2 (forward cave) or 2/3 (backward cave) feel. That is, three beats then two beats or, two beats then three beats. Claves are the traditional instruments used to play clave and are comprised of two sticks that are struck together to get a sharp, cracking sound. One is called the Clave or male, while the other is the Striker or female. The Clave lays in one hand between the fingertips and the heel of the hand, with the thumb out for support. This space between the Clave and the palm of the hand creates a sound chamber. The Striker is held as a beater in the other hand and is struck.”

Materials, dates and provenance

• Date made: 1999
• maker: Latin Percussion
• Object Name: claves
• Physical Description: maple (overall material)
• Measurements: overall: 26 cm x 2.5 cm; 10 1/4 in x in
• Measurements: overall, each: 10 in x 1 in; 25.4 cm x 2.54 cm
• place made: United States: New Jersey, Garfield
• ID Number: 2000.3039.16
• nonaccession number: 2000.3039
• catalog number: 2000.3039.16
• Credit Line: Transfer from Smithsonian Institution Center for Latino Initiatives (through: Dr.Refugio l. Rochin,Director)
• Data Source: National Museum of American History

Sources and reuse

Catalogue descriptions and facts adapted from National Museum of American History through the Smithsonian's official Open Access dataset. This record explicitly marks its metadata CC0 1.0; formatting and selection have been changed.