International Media Interoperability Framework. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and media viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. Visit the IIIF page to learn more. View manifest View in Mirador. Description Brief This shekere was made by an unknown maker, provenance unknown, 20th century. Location Currently not on view Object Name percussion shekere date made 20th century user Sweet Honey In The Rock Physical Description gourd overall material plastic overall material cord overall material Measurements overall: 12 in x 9 in x 9 in; Nominate this object for photography.
See our privacy policy. Collections Search Search for Show only items with images. Show only items with no use restrictions. Making a gourd shekere is very easy. All you need to do is find the right kind of gourd and buy some tools. The shape of the gourd determines the kind of sound it makes. The gourd is dried for several months before its pulp and seeds are removed.
Once they are clean and dry, they are scrubbed to make them smooth. You can also design and decorate your own gourd shekere with simple art materials. You can find a wide variety of gourds grown in the United States.
They are usually picked during the fall. Larger gourds are ideal for rich and deep tones, while smaller gourds have lighter and softer sound. The calabash or gourd as it's commonly known in the United States is a functional creation of nature with a wide variety of uses and traditions in cultures around the world.
A fruit of varied shape and size, it commonly grows on a vine not unlike the squash, but there are also varieties that grow on bushes and trees. In so-called "third world" countries the calabash was historically used as a container for water, and still is an essential utensil in many parts of the world.
In rural areas of the U. Throughout Asia, Africa, the Pacific Islands, the Caribbean and the Americas, gourds are used as resonators for musical instruments. It comes in many shapes and sizes, is played in a variety of styles, and has many different names. Different language groups in each country often have their own names, styles, techniques, and traditions associated with the shekere.
In Nigeria, the very large beaded calabash is called an "agbe", and traditionally is owned and played only by professional musicians Olatunji, Music in African Life. It is a personal instrument and never loaned of shared, even with family members.
However, a son who is a professional musician may inherit his father's agbe. Shekeres among the Yeruba of Nigeria are often connected with religion, given great respect, and play a very important role in certain traditional musical forms. Throughout West Africa you will also a smaller gourd, covered with a woven net which is tied off at the bottom, leaving a tail of loose strings. In Ghana and Togo among the Ewe language group it is known as the "axatse" and is often used to accompany a drum or bell orchestra on important occasions.
In Sierra Leone you will find a similar type of shekere with a very loose net an long tail, often called a "shake-shake" or "shaburay". When African slaves were taken to the "New World," they carried with them many of these rich musical traditions, which took root in varying degrees in different parts of the Americas and the Caribbean.
In Cuba, Youruba religious traditions using drums and shekeres are found almost completely intact - with similar rhythmic patterns, names of instruments and accompanying chants. Brazilians sometimes use a beaded with seeds coconut called "afuxe" similar in name and style to the Ghanian "axatse". In the United States the shekere and other African related instruments continue to grown in popularity and are rapidly becoming part of our contemporary musical expression.
Finding Gourds: The basis for the shekere is the gourd or calabash. A wide variety of gourds are grown in the United States especially in the Southeast and are usually harvested in the fall.
Almost any type can be used to make a rattle; however, the larger "birdhouse" or "bottle" gourds are desired for the deep, rich tones they produce when hollowed out. Look for gourds in October and November at roadside produce stands where you see pumpkins. When freshly harvested they are green in color and resemble winter squash. It's best to dry them in a warm dry area attics are ideal , elevated on a screen or wire so that air can circulate underneath them.
Be sure to check them every few weeks and wipe off the mold to avoid rot. A gourd may take from one to six months to dry, depending on its size and the temperature and humidity of the drying area. You will know it is ready by the brown color, the hardness of the shell, and its lighter weight.
Preparing the Gourd: When the gourd is completely dry, wash it with strong soap and water, using an abrasive scrubber to clean the surface thoroughly. Most stubborn blemishes will come off with some "elbow grease". With a hacksaw, cut off the top of the gourd, leaving enough neck be generous to easily hold in your hand. Using a coat hanger or long stick, loosen the seeds and fiber that are inside and shake it all out you can save the seeds to plant.
The cleaner and smoother the walls, the more it will resonate. You can leave the gourd in its natural state, oil or stain it to deepen the color, shellac, polyurethane, or fiberglass the outside and or inside for added protection, or create your own finish. I let the thickness and strength of the gourd determine this process.
The Gourd As An Instrument. Your "calabash" is now a musical instrument. Tapping with the heel of your hand on the bottom, listen to its tone. How many other tones can you find? Create a repeated pattern using at least three different tones. Play the pattern as a round. Find two or three patterns to string together.
Form groups and play the patterns simultaneously. Can you make the tones "talk" to each other? Find a simple phrase to play in unison for the beginning and ending.
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