Timbales
The timbales are a pair of drums that developed in Cubar around the turn of the twentieth century and became an integral part of charanga ensembles, or dance bands. Ubaldo Nieto was one of the first drummers to use the timbales in the United States and it became an essential instrument in Afro-Cuban and Latin musical genres.
Calixto "Cali" Rivera was one of the few people who specialized in hand making timbales and other Latin instruments including congas and bongos. He supplied instruments to many of the leading Latin percussionists of New York including Tito Puente, Eddie Montalvo, and Giovanni Hidalgo. Rivera was especially famous for his cowbells and musicians across the globe ordered custom-made bells from him.
Calixto "Cali" Rivera was one of the few people who specialized in hand making timbales and other Latin instruments including congas and bongos. He supplied instruments to many of the leading Latin percussionists of New York including Tito Puente, Eddie Montalvo, and Giovanni Hidalgo. Rivera was especially famous for his cowbells and musicians across the globe ordered custom-made bells from him.
Artwork Details
- Title: Timbales
- Maker: Calixto Rafael Rivera (American, (Coamo, Puerto Rico 1938-2017 Bronx, New York))
- Date: 2004
- Geography: Bronx, New York, United States
- Culture: American
- Medium: Stainless steel, plastic heads, wood
- Dimensions: Overall (Assembled): H. 102.9 x W. 88.9 x D. 67.3cm (40 1/2 x 35 x 26 1/2in.)
- Classification: Membranophone-single-headed / conical drum
- Credit Line: Purchase, Murtogh D. Guinness Bequest, 2005
- Object Number: 2005.27a–g
- Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Brandon Rosser
2004
Efrain Vega
1995
John D'Angelico
1932
Toufighe Jahromi
ca. 1928
James D'Aquisto
1983
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.