Description
LARGE – BEST FOR MEDIUM TO LARGE SIZE HANDS AND EXPERIENCED PLAYERS
Our Papa Kashakas are a percussive instrument consisting of 2 hardwood balls filled with steel pellets connected together by a sturdy piece of paracord which is a bit thicker than the rope used for the Boom and Laka Kashakas. This allows the ball to swing more smoothly and easily around the hand. The process that we use at Artisan Instruments ensures that your Kashakas will stand up to rigorous use and are backed by a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee! Your set of 2 pairs of Papa Kashakas come with a cotton drawstring bag.
We craft our Kashakas to order, a process that takes 3 -5 business days. We are make approximately 40 sets per week and not every ball makes the grade! Your order may be ready to go in a day, or at the most in 5 business days depending on where we are in the process.
CHOOSING A SIZE:
If you have smaller hands, we suggest that you purchase the Lakas Kashakas. The Laka Kashakas are the easiest to learn to play, and they have a lighter sound. Our Boom Kashakas are our medium size Kashaka and they have a very satisfying sound and feel and we recommend these for those with medium to large hands. The Papa Kashakas are the most challenging to play however the thicker rope that they are made with allow them to pass around the hand very smoothly. All three sizes can be played with practice – this is a challenging instrument to learn even for those who have played percussion for years, but with patience and persistence you will see your skill grow. We include information on where to find lessons and inspiration on YouTube and Udemy with your Kashakas, and we highly recommend you check out Maisie Weller and Inbar Heyman on YouTube, as well as right here on our website.
ADJUSTING YOUR KASHAKAS:
To adjust your Kashakas to your hand size, loosen the middle knot and move it so that when both balls are in your hand and the rope is over the top of your knuckles, there is enough room to a finger between the rope and your hand. Every player will have their own personal preference as to the length of rope they prefer and it may change over time. We find it is easier to learn if the rope is a bit longer, and after you become more proficient you may like the control offered when the rope is tighter. If, after sizing, there is a lot of extra rope, you can trim it with a sharp pair of scissors or a box cutter, and use a candle/lighter flame to seal the rope so that it will not fray.
LEARNING TO PLAY
The technique for playing them is to hold one ball in the palm of your hand while swinging the other ball from side to side around the hand resulting in a clacking sound when the 2 balls meet. The pellets inside the balls create a shaker sound. The original version comes from Africa and is made from 2 small gourds off of the Oncoba Spinosa tree. This instrument is called many names including asalato, aslatua, patica (Japan), Kosika (USA), kes-kes, cas-cas, tchongot tche, and thelevi.
Learning to play the Papa Kashakas can be difficult at first, however they are super fun to play and with a little practice you will amaze yourself and your friends with all the cool rhythms that you can come up with! Check out the many videos on youtube and you will see how versatile this instrument can truly be.
They are also a skill development tool that can help improve dexterity, cross brain synchronization and can help to build strength and flexibility through the hands, arms and upper body. They can be a meditative tool that can lower stress and promote relaxation.
This is the perfect gift for musicians, teenagers, and anyone looking to improve their eye hand coordination, order a set today for someone you love!
Feel free to contact us anytime if you have any questions, comments or suggestions.
May the Peace be with you,
Kristian Power and Lori Frederick
