Object Name: Rattle
(kichiboyok)
Place of Origin: Didya Village, Nigeria
Cultural Group: Tangala-Waja peoples
Materials Used: Gourd, metal, pigment, leather, cotton
Date: 1900
Dimensions: H: 40 cm, D: 17.8 cm (H: 15.7 in, D: 7.0 in)
Credit line and Accession Number: Fowler Museum at UCLA. Gift of Barbara Rubin-Hudson. X83.796

Rattles such as this one are used during the Kal festivals that are held every five years to celebrate the coming of age of young men. According to Berns, “the association of iron regalia with the role of men as protectors and providers has transformed the gourd ‘dance rattle’ into an emblem of male rather than female status”.

Source: DjeDje, J. C. (1999). “Turn Up the Volume! A Celebration of African Music”, Los Angeles: UCLA Fowler Museum of Cultural History. page 257