Hand-held Cow Bell

April 3 An integral part of the instrumentation for Cuban son montuno and its descendant, salsa, is the hand-held cow bell. This kind of bell is typically played by the bongo player (which is why it is also known as a bongo bell) during the montuno, a section featuring a repeated chorus interspersed with vocal and instrumental improvisation. The pattern played by this belt is often interlocked with one played by a higher pitched bell, producing a polyrhythmic effect that reflects a West African musical legacy.

LP Cowbell

Description (Brief): This cowbell was made by Latin Percussion Inc. in Garfield, New Jersey, in 1999. It is a Salsa Bongo Cowbell, model E-S3, made of steel.; As indicated in an LP brochure from the period, “The LP Salsa® Bongo Cowbell is the standard bongo players cowbell. This hand-held bell delivers a dominant fundamental tone with a medium pitch that cuts through loud percussion sections.
Location: Currently not on view

Data Source: National Museum of American History

maker: Latin Percussion

Date made: 1999

Credit Line: Transfer from Smithsonian Institution Center for Latino Initiatives (through: Dr.Refugio l. Rochin,Director)

Physical Description: steel (overall material)
Measurements: overall: 7.5 cm x 21 cm x 13.5 cm; 2 15/16 in x 8 1/4 in x 5 5/16 in; bell: 2 15/16 in x 5 1/2 in x 8 1/4 in; 7.46125 cm x 13.97 cm x 20.955 cm; stick: 8 15/16 in x 5/16 in; 22.70125 cm x .79375 cm

Object Name: bell

There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page .

IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and media viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. Visit the IIIF page to learn more.

View manifest View in Mirador Viewer