As will be observed in the following, each of these republics enjoys distinctive music as a result of the individualistic development within the greater whole of this area of the world known herein as Latin America. Primitive music of Latin America, like primitive music in other parts of the World, was performed on instruments made from objects readily available in the environment of the musician. Jaguar claws, animal and human bones and specially treated inflated eyes of tigers are examples of objects which have served as percussion instruments from the South American Jungle. Jesus Castillo of Guatemala contends that the Indians of Central America have been influenced in their folk songs by the amazingly vocal and musically articulate native bird, the Cenzontle, of the thrush family, which sings melodies based on the major arpeggio. The suggestion of harmonized melodies is present in some regions of South America.
Cuban music combines two primary racial strains to produce Cuban popular music, Spanish and African.
Aboriginal Indians are practically extinct from the island of Cuba and the pentatonic melodies of their music have disappeared with them. The Spanish element is strong in the rustic airs of the interior, while the . . . Native Cuban dances such as the Habanera, Guajira, Guaracha and Punto have been influenced notably by the Spanish culture while the Rumba, Conga and Son Afro-Cubano dances are primarily influenced by the African culture. The original Spanish Bolero dance is in three-quarter meter. In Cuba, it is rarely heard among the people, but is popular in dance bands. . .