Yerbomatófono facts for kids

The yerbomatófono, also called the yerbomatófono d'amore, is a fun and unusual musical instrument. It's not a formal instrument you'd find in an orchestra, but it makes a unique sound! It likely started with the native people living near the Rio de la Plata in South America.

In the 1960s, a talented instrument maker from Buenos Aires, Carlos Iraldi (who lived from 1930 to 1995), brought it back to life. He made it for a funny music group called Les Luthiers.

The yerbomatófono is actually a type of Kazoo. It's made from maté gourds, which are like small, hollowed-out pumpkins used to drink a special tea called yerba mate. These gourds are cut in half. When you blow and sing into the opening, the sound gets louder and changes in a very interesting way. Since it was brought back, this instrument has mostly been used in Argentina and Uruguay.

What is a Yerbomatófono?

The yerbomatófono is an informal musical instrument. This means it's not a traditional instrument like a guitar or a piano. It's more of a creative, homemade instrument. It's known for its funny name and the unique sound it makes.

How Does a Yerbomatófono Work?

The yerbomatófono works a lot like a Kazoo. A kazoo is a simple instrument that changes the sound of your voice. When you hum or sing into a kazoo, a small membrane inside vibrates. This vibration makes your voice sound buzzy and different.

The yerbomatófono uses two halves of a maté gourd. These gourds are natural, hollowed-out shells. When you blow and sing into the opening of the gourd, the sound of your voice goes inside. The shape and material of the gourd then amplify (make louder) and distort (change) your voice. This creates a peculiar and often funny sound.

Who Recreated the Yerbomatófono?

The yerbomatófono was brought back into the spotlight by Carlos Iraldi. He was a luthier, which is a special craftsman who builds or repairs string instruments like guitars and violins. Carlos Iraldi was born on January 28, 1930, and passed away on December 16, 1995.

He recreated this instrument in the 1960s for a famous humor group called Les Luthiers. This group from Argentina is known for their funny shows, which often include music played on unusual and homemade instruments. The yerbomatófono became one of their signature instruments, adding to their unique comedic style.

Where is the Yerbomatófono Used?

Since its recreation by Carlos Iraldi, the yerbomatófono has been mainly used in two countries: Argentina and Uruguay. These countries are located in South America, and they share a strong cultural connection, including the tradition of drinking yerba mate. The instrument's connection to maté gourds makes it a natural fit for these regions. It's often seen in performances by Les Luthiers and other artists who enjoy making music with unconventional instruments.

See also

In Spanish: Matófono para niños