Castanets are wooden clappers typically used by Spanish flamenco dancers to accent the rhythm of the musical piece being performed. They consist of a pair of hollow shells of hardwood, ivory or composition material loosely bound together by a cord. The cord is generally fastened around the first finger and the thumb of the performer’s hand. They are traditionally played in the hand, but can also be found attached to a handle or a base for faster musical styles. When the fingers strike the two castanets together, a hollow, clicking sound is produced.. The cord is generally fastened around the first finger and the thumb of the performer’s hand. They are traditionally played in the hand, but can also be found attached to a handle or a base for faster musical styles. When the fingers strike the two castanets together, a hollow, clicking sound is produced.