Rattle

About this object

History of use

Tied around the calf of each leg when dancing.

Cultural context

Worn by men

Physical description

Eighty-six grey-brown cocoons have been slit to allow the insertion of bits of stone or ostrich eggshell. The cocoons are drilled on the underside with two small holes at each end, and strung on strands of twine so that they lie parallel to each other. After stringing, the twine is tied at the end. Lengths of rawhide are tied at each end of the band of cocoons, and are used to secure the rattle to the dancer's leg.