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Rattle (Shekere)

Bayaka Pygmy Rattles

Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire)
Yaka

Leather and seeds
Late 19th or Early 20th century

Length: 6 inches without tassels at the top
Idiophone - Struck Indirectly - Shaken

The original owner, who operated a lumber company in Zaire exporting African woods during 1900-1915, received these Bayaka rattles from tribal elders. This pair of authentic 19th century Bayaka rattles show finely tooled leather and appear in good condition. The inner rattle is a ball hand sewn with something inside (possibly seeds). They appear to be put together with fine woven twin leather strips. One looks more complete then the other as one still has the tassels on the end.

 

Owner:
Catalog#: AF-IDST-214-26