Krakebs

Krakebs (qraqeb), or garagab (Arabic: قراقب‎) are a large iron castanet-like musical instrument primarily used as the rhythmic aspect of Gnawa music. Gnawa today is part of the Moroccan and North African culture and is inherent in the Moroccan soundscape.

Cultural Significance

Gnawa music is a spiritual music representing the history of sub-Saharan West African people who were sold as slaves in present-day Morocco, Tunisia, Libya, and Algeria or Greater Maghreb. “...stories are told to those who are connected with their history by the very sound of the krakebs – they represent the sound of horses hooves hitting the ground as their people were carried away in grain sacks, and the rattling of shackles that used to hold their people captive.”.

Body

Krakebs are similar to large iron castanets in that they are handheld cymbal-type instruments which are handmade from iron or steel. They are Idiophones, meaning that their sound comes from the vibration of the instrument's body. The body is four cymbals (two on each side) attached by a string. Since they are played with one hand, the musician usually holds one in each to play simultaneously.