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The cajón (pronounced ka-HONE) is a box-shaped percussion instrument originally from Peru. Played by slapping the front or rear face with the hands, fingers, or brushes, it produces a range of tones—from deep bass to crisp slaps—making it a versatile instrument used in genres from Afro-Peruvian music to flamenco and modern acoustic styles.

The cajón’s roots trace back to the 18th century, when enslaved Africans in coastal Peru repurposed shipping crates as drums, which were often banned by colonial authorities. Over time, the instrument evolved, especially with the influence of Afro-Peruvian culture. In the late 20th century, flamenco guitarist Paco de Lucía helped popularize the cajón in Spain and worldwide, adapting it into flamenco music and prompting its modern refinements, like internal snare wires for added articulation.

Today, the cajón is a global percussion staple known for its portability, rhythmic richness, and expressive power.