Palitos vs Claves

Are Puerto Rico's palitos the same things as claves? They look the same, and the article appears to describe the same thing as claves...but it says they are used to play an "elaboration on the clave," or something like that.

I just wanted to make sure I have my facts straight - is the palito exactly the same thing as a clave, or could it be better described as a special type of clave?

www.musicofpuertorico.com/index.php/instruments/palitos/

Hi Salsa Bear. As a data point, in Cuba very often the clave sticks are called "los palitos" or "los palos".

tocatimba said:

Hi Salsa Bear. As a data point, in Cuba very often the clave sticks are called "los palitos" or "los palos".

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OK, now it makes sense... Palo means "stick" in Spanish, right? I think I remember that the paloverde tree takes its name from the Spanish words palo verde ("green stick"). So palitos literally translate "little sticks" - is that right?

Thanks.

They all are wooden sticks. With regard to music, palitos play the clave rhythm and add to it. In modern salsa evolution of those rhythms is what timbaleros play on the sides of the drums and on the bells. Experts will correct me.

I think Tito Puentes timbales solos often where embellished cascara, which is embellished clave.

are the same thing. As mentioned, in Puerto Rico are known as Palitos.