The serrated or grooved, hollowed-out gourd traces its origins among pre-Columbian indigenous people of the Caribbean. Later, it was adopted by various other cultures to provide a rhythmic foundation for many Latin American music genres. The player holds the instrument firmly by the holes or a handle in the back and rubs a stick over the grooves to produce the sound.

Our güiro originates in the mountains of Peru, where artists use sharp tools and wood burning to fashion intricate designs depicting daily life and celebrations. The patterns differ slightly because each instrument is handmade, reflecting the artists’ creativity and the natural materials available.