calabash, sistrum, concussion idiophone

Rattle made from wood with threaded gourd discs.

Played by holding the wooden handle and shaking vertically so that the pieces of the gourd hit each other. Gourd shakers (sistrums) like this are commonly used in West Africa and played as the percussion part of a small orchestra. It would typically be played alongside balafons, talking drums, ngonis, and koras. The loud sound makes it very suitable for providing a rhythm for dancing, and it is also often used in Hausa and Fulani music.

Collection Information

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