The word castanet got its origins from castaina, the Spanish word for chestnut. Castanets are a percussion instrument with a long history in Roman, Latin American and Spanish cultures. They were popularized and most often used by Flamenco dancers; castanet performances usually included pairs of the shell-like instruments being played together. The rhythmic clacking sounds created by each pair and the dancer's movements along to the clicks and snaps made watching of these performances very delightful. IQ Plus Castanets are excellent instruments for use by children in the classroom to contribute to a musical situation, especially involving rhythm and dance. They will teach your child about creating the rhythmic foundations on which any type of music is formed. The castanet is often and most effectively played in pairs. This simple, yet sturdy instrument produces bright clapping sounds, a perfect instrument for your child's first experience and experiments in music.