The cabasa is a percussion instrument originating in South America. It's used in bossa nova and Latin music, as well as in a wide range of other genres, including brass bands and bands. Its name means "gourd" in Portuguese, and as its name suggests, it was originally made from hollowed-out gourds. This product features durable metal prayer beads, producing a crisp, clear sound that keeps the beat. It's played by placing the cabasa in one hand and holding the handle with the other, twisting your wrist and rubbing the beads. You can vary the speed and strength of your twists with the snap of your wrist, creating a "swish, swish" sound that matches the mood of the song.