Final answer:
Idiophones are a type of rhythmic percussion instruments that vibrate themselves to produce sound. They are widely used in different cultures and can include instruments like bells, cymbals, xylophones, and maracas.
Step-by-step explanation:
Idiophones are a type of rhythmic percussion instruments. They produce sound by vibrating themselves, without the need for strings, membranes, or air. Examples of idiophones include bells, cymbals, xylophones, and maracas.
Idiophones are widely used in various cultures for different purposes. In African music, for example, polyrhythms and syncopations are commonly performed using idiophones. In ancient Greek culture, instruments like tambourines and pipes were idiophones used in religious rituals and celebrations.
Idiophones can also make use of resonance chambers to amplify their sound, as seen in the marimba that uses gourds as resonance chambers.