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Okay, we know, these rainsticks are from Chile,
not Africa. But since this instrument adds such wonderful sound
to any gathering, we had to include it in the offerings to our customers.
We carry these particular rainsticks because
of their superior quality. They are lightweight, yet extremely sturdy,
and feature an attractive design. We have found these rainsticks
to provide the best traditional sound as compared to bamboo, plastic
or Peruvian rainsticks. You may find our rainsticks are a little
more expensive than those of lesser quality, but with us you are
purchasing not only superior quality, but much better sound and
beauty.
Our rainsticks are made by artisans in Chile,
where rainsticks are used in ceremonies to bring badly-needed rain
to regions of the Atacama Desert. They are made of the wood left
from the skeleton of a dead Quisco or Copado cactus plant.
The wood is called Normata, which is then harvested
and filled with small volcanic ash pebbles. Spines are driven through
the trunk in a spiral formation, creating the unique sound as the
pebbles fall slowly when the rainsticks are turned upside down.
No living plants are used.
The plants themselves grow in large quantities
in extensive desert areas of northern Chile, and die after about
70 years. Rainsticks are musical and ceremonial instruments used
from ancient times to present day. Their name is descriptive of
the soothing rain-like sound that the instruments produce.
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