Object Name: Pair of rattles
Place of Origin: Guinea
Cultural Group: Baga peoples
Materials Used: Gourd, aluminum, metal coins
Dimensions: L (of longest): 56 cm (22.0 in)
Credit line and Accession Number: Fowler Museum at UCLA. Anonymous Gift. X86.2830

Although a Baga attribution has not been firmly established for these rattles, the surface design created by the applied aluminum is consistent with painted designs found on Baga carpentered headdresses (sibondel), the development of which was stimulated by Islamic symbolism. The Muslim star and crescent on each rattle reinforces this association.

Source: DjeDje, J. C. (1999). “Turn Up the Volume! A Celebration of African Music”, Los Angeles: UCLA Fowler Museum of Cultural History. page 256