Box Drum

History of the Box Drum

The box drum has origins in Africa, however it was developed by enslaved Africans in Peru during the 18th century. The word cajón, meaning box, was used to describe upturned fruit boxes and crates that were used to create the first box drums, which were in turn used to create the early rhythms in Cuban and Peruvian music. The box drum soon became a cultural and traditional symbol of Afroperuvian music and would start to become an integral percussion instrument used by street performers. The box drum has been there at some key moments in history, for example, box drum and cajon players would use their loud sound to attract people to street demonstrations during Fidel Castro’s political hold of Cuba. A box drum is most commonly and simply constructed of 5 sides of white wood with one side of plywood as the drum head. However, the box drum has transformed through time as modern interpretations sought to improve the instrument. The flamenco box drum or cajon was allegedly developed by Paco de Lucia and Brazilian percussionist Rubem Dantas during the 1970s on a tour of Peru. This variant added guitar strings and bells to give the rhythm player more tools at their disposal. Other variations include added screws to change the timbre and rubber feet to secure its base. Companies such as Japan’s Roland have mass produced the electric box drum to give players a variety of drum sounds.

Inventor: Unknown