In "El Manisero" by the Havana Casino Orchestra, what instrument plays the distinctive repeated syncopated pattern?

The distinctive repeated syncopated pattern in "El Manisero" by the Havana Casino Orchestra is played by the claves. Claves are a pair of short wooden sticks that, when struck together, produce a sharp and penetrating sound, ideal for creating rhythmic patterns in music, particularly in Afro-Cuban genres. In this piece, the claves provide a foundational rhythm that supports the overall syncopated texture and helps to establish the infectious groove characteristic of the song. Their role is pivotal in guiding the ensemble's timekeeping and enhancing the danceable quality of the music. While other instruments like maracas, bongos, and marimbas have their unique contributions to the piece, the claves specifically deliver the key rhythmic motif that defines the swing and pulse of "El Manisero."