The world of percussion instruments is rich and varied, with shakers holding a significant place in many cultures. Among these, African shakers stand out for their unique construction, diverse sounds, and deep cultural roots. Let's delve into the fascinating world of these instruments, exploring their origins, variations, and playing techniques.
A Shekere instrument
The Shekere: A Yoruba Legacy
The shekere, derived from the Yoruba word Ṣẹ̀kẹ̀rẹ̀, is a percussion instrument comprising a dried gourd enveloped in a net adorned with beads or cowries. Originating with the Yoruba people, the instrument is common throughout West Africa and Latin America.
While originating with the Yoruba people, the instrument is common throughout West Africa and Latin America and is central to folk music traditions of many cultures as well as well as being utilized within some popular music styles. In Ghana the instrument is referred to as axatse. In Latin America the instrument is commonly known as cabaça.
The shape of the gourd determines the sound of the instrument. A shekere is made by drying the gourd for several months then removing the pulp and seeds. The shekere is made from vine gourds that grow on the ground.
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Playing Techniques
There are multiple ways to produce sounds with the instrument. It can be shaken or hit against the hand. The instrument can also rest in the palm of one hand while other hand holds the handle of the gourd. A twisting wrist motion is used so that the gourd moves while beads remain in place causing friction and sound different than when the instrument is simply shaken or struck.
How to Play the Shekere
Variations Across Cultures
The shekere takes on different names and forms in various regions:
- Ghana: The instrument is referred to as axatse.
- Latin America: The instrument is commonly known as cabaça.
- Cuba: The chekeré, also known as aggué (abwe), is a large, hollow gourd (~50 cm long, approx. 19+1⁄2 in) almost entirely surrounded by a network of cords, to which many coloured beads are attached.
- Brazil: This African gourd rattle is called a xequerê. It consists of the gourd (cabaça) cut in the middle and then wrapped in a net in which beads or small plastic balls are threaded.
Brazilian Xequere
Shakers: Compact Percussion for All Settings
Shakers are compact hand percussion for classroom and ensemble use. They come in 5cm, 7cm and 9cm sizes. Sets are sold in packs of 5, 30 or 100. Bodies are painted wood, natural wood, coconut shell or wicker. Models include egg, beaded, caxixi, pangi and maracas.
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Versatile Instruments for Education and Performance
Shakers provide adaptable hand percussion across Early Years, Primary, Secondary and SEND settings. Egg, beaded, caxixi and maracas models offer a wide timbral range for pulse, texture and groove. They suit Hand Percussion sessions and Early Years Percussion activities.
Care and Maintenance
Buy group packs for easy classroom distribution and store sets in cotton bags or on low racks. Label instruments for fast hand-out and pair them with rainsticks, small drums and tambourines for layered rhythm and ensemble work. Wipe painted finishes with a dry cloth and check cords or beads for wear.
Overview of African Shaker Instruments
| Instrument Name | Origin | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Shekere | Yoruba, West Africa | Dried gourd with beads or cowries woven into a net. |
| Axatse | Ghana | Variant of the shekere. |
| Cabaça | Latin America | Also known as shekere. |
| Chekeré (Aggué) | Cuba | Large, hollow gourd with a network of cords and beads. |
| Xequerê | Brazil | Gourd cut in half and wrapped in a net with beads or plastic balls. |
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