Charango

Charango The Charango is a small string instrument of the Andean region similar to a guitar or ukulele. The origins of the name charango are unclear but many researchers believe it originated from the distortion of the Quechua word “chajwaku” meaning noisy or joy possibly referring to the sound of the charango. Its introduction came from Spanish colonization of the Andean region in the 1700’s. Before the Spanish arrived, there were no stringed instruments in all of the Americas. Its use wasn’t isolated to the Peruvian area but was wide spread throughout the Andean region. The Charango most likely evolved from the Spanish vihuela of the lute family (stringed instruments). Charangos were traditionally made with armadillo shells known as quirquincho in Quechua but wood seemed to be more ideal, specifically as a resonator and durability.

Charango style and music is not exclusive to any specific social class or type of person; it is widely used amongst all cultures in the region and in many different environments. The Charango is played at celebrations like festivals, birthday parties and weddings but also at more serious events like funerals and religious gatherings. Its use is typically among indigenous Quechua and Aymara cultures but they are quite expensive to purchase and can go to upwards of a few hundred US dollars.