The quijada, a fascinating idiophone, is crafted from the jawbone of a donkey, complete with the original teeth intact. This unconventional instrument has a distinct sound created by the vibration of the loosened teeth when struck or shaken, giving it a uniquely percussive, rattling tone that can’t be replicated by any other instrument.
Rooted in the musical traditions of Peru and Cuba, the quijada has long been used in various folkloric and traditional musical forms, adding texture and rhythmic complexity. Over the years, it has gained popularity beyond these regions, finding its way into the musical repertoires of other countries where it’s often used to create effects or lend an authentic, earthy sound to traditional pieces.
When I was in Phoenix in 2021 for the funeral of my good friend Robert Fernandez’s mother (DEP), we took some time afterward to honor her memory by sharing our love of music. Robert, who has an incredible collection of rare instruments, was kind enough to let me record the sounds of his quijada. Together, we captured the unique timbre and textures of this rare instrument, documenting its tones to share them with others who seek authentic sounds that are not commonly sampled.
To learn more about the quijada’s history and cultural significance, visit our guide to Cuban instruments.
Here is a sample son montuno using the instrument.
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