The Mapuche are the indigenous people of Central and South Chile, and South Argentina. They likely came into contact with the jaw harp via Spanish colonists from the 16th century and onwards. Until the early 70’s of the last century the jaw harp was a popular musical instrument for the Mapuche. Next followed a gradual decline, due to the increasing influence of massmedia as a powerful factor of change.
Throughout the ages jew's harps (jaw harps, tromps, maultrommeln, mondharpen, guimbardes, etc) have not only attracked musicians and people who enjoy music in whatever way. These instruments have also inspired visual artists to create paintings, engravings, drawings, woodcarvings, statues and monuments.