Percussion
Shekere
The shekere is a percussive instrument of West Africa origin. It is made of dried gourds of various sizes that are covered with nets that have colourful beads or shells woven into them. Throughout the African continent there are similar gourd and bead or gourd and seed percussion instruments that have various names and decoration. The shekere is made from vine gourds that grow along the ground. The size and shape of the gourd determines the sound and volume of the instrument. A shekere is made by drying the gourd for several months and then removing the pulp and seeds. After it is scrubbed, skillful bead work is added. The shekere is used in African traditional music as well as some forms of popular music. In performance it is shaken and/or slapped with the hands. Shekere, which generally offer plenty of volume, are traditionally played as rhythmic accompaniment to drumming and dance.
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