Percussion Instruments
Lucinda Ellison Musical Instruments
"Sculpture and Sound"

SHEKERES

A basic rhythmic accompaniment to many styles of music is a gourd rattle.  These large ones are called Shekere (SHEK-er-ay), Hosho, or Axatse (a-HAHT-sah), and are distinguished by their unique bottle-gourd forms which have been hollowed out to increase both the resonance and playing options of the instrument.  The woven bead network hitting and swooshing over the hard resonant gourd creates its distinctive sound.  The bottom of the Shekeres is left exposed for slapping or thumping it like a drum.  The tones will vary depending on the size and shape of the gourd.  I use either brass beads or traditional African cowrie shells to create this decorative network.  Other materials are available, please inquire.

	Shekerers Brass beads medium 6-8" large 8-10"+ Cowries medium 6-8" large 8-10"+

Please go to Rattles for other choices

RATTLES

A basic rhythmic accompaniment to many styles of music is a gourd rattle.  These smaller dipper gourds are decorated with either brass or glass beads, or cowrie shells.  Here the woven bead network is gathered in a knot at one end, which may be used in one’s playing technique by snapping or spinning it.  Each has a distinctive feel and sound as every gourd is unique.

Please check out Shekeres for other choices

Occasionally I’ve gotten into making other percussion instruments, perhaps inspired by something I’ve seen or heard, or often by someone’s request for specific or unusual items.  Please call, write, or email to talk about musical things along these lines.