Lot of 3 vintage wooden castanets, retro decor, antique handmade maracas

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Detailed visual description

This lot consists of three handcrafted wooden percussion instruments, identifiable as handle castanets. All three pieces have a rounded, convex shape, fitted with a two-tone braided cord (yellow and red) ending in matching pompoms, allowing them to be held or hung. Two of the castanets have a natural wood finish, with variations in shade ranging from light to dark brown, highlighting the wood grain. The third instrument is decorated on its upper surface with a painted or transferred motif depicting a rural scene surrounded by a colorful floral garland—a detail typical of folk decorative objects or regional souvenirs.

The castanets are carved from visible wood species, with a smooth, polished surface. The contours are deliberately stylized, evoking a pear shape or a rounded purse, which gives them a decorative appearance in addition to their musical function. The cords, fixed through two holes on the upper part, are used to manipulate the object during percussion. The fastenings appear to be original, and the pompoms have bright, well-preserved colors.

On the ornate piece, the central decoration is surrounded by touches of green and red paint, enhancing the handcrafted and traditional effect. The other two, more understated castanets, show the wood grain and some natural marks of the material, without additional ornamentation.

The set evokes objects from the 60s to 80s, typical of artisanal or souvenir production, but with no visible mark or date on the faces shown. No major chips are visible in the photo, but some signs of use and light scratches are noticeable on the polished surface, particularly on the lighter piece.

The three instruments are placed on a light, well-lit surface, allowing for observation of the quality of the finish, the diversity of shades, and the naive style of the painted decoration.

Condition

Used items sold as is. Presence of signs of use, light scratches, and small marks on the wood, pompoms in good overall condition. The mechanisms and cords appear functional on the visible faces.

Did you know? Castanets are hand percussion instruments, historically associated with traditional Spanish music, but also present in many Mediterranean cultures. Their handcrafted production in solid wood allows for a variety of sounds depending on the wood species used and the carved shape.

AFW Reassurance

Careful packaging and fast shipping ensured by a professional seller specializing in antique and decorative objects.

Keywords: wooden castanets, antique maracas, vintage percussion, retro wood decor, folk instrument, artisanal souvenir, Spanish castanets, traditional decor, wooden castanets, percussion lot, decorative instrument, artisanal castanets