How is the charango made and why is it considered a hybrid instrument?

The charango is a small, lutelike or guitarlike instrument featuring five courses of multiple strings. Its body is traditionally crafted from an animal shell, most notably that of an armadillo.12

The instrument is considered a hybrid because it represents a synthesis of cultural traditions. While stringed instruments were introduced to Latin America by European colonists, the charango evolved within the Andean region to incorporate local materials and aesthetic practices. Its hybrid nature is further reflected in its diverse construction and usage:1

• Materials: It combines the European concept of a stringed instrument with the indigenous use of animal shells for the body.21
• Performance: The instrument is played differently across cultures, highlighting its integration into both indigenous and mestizo traditions. Indigenous musicians typically use thin metal strings, whereas mestizo musicians often prefer nylon strings.1

By blending the Iberian tradition of stringed instruments with local Andean craftsmanship, the charango serves as a distinct example of the tri-ethnic heritage often found in Latin American musical ensembles.1