"Shekere is the Yoruba word
for a calabash/gourd rattle covered with a skirt of movable beads. It
is a hand held idiophone, or self-sounding percussion instrument.
There are a couple of seemingly conflicting stories on the traditional
uses and purposes of the Shekere. Some say the instrument was used by
certain male musicians to attract the women to them for the purpose of
informing them of the latest gossip. Sometimes money would be
solicited by these griots for bringing the “news” to the community.
The women then learned how to play the Shekere because gossiping was
considered woman centered. Others tell of the Shekere being the
instrument used by certain women to gather other females again for the
purpose of gossiping. Women would bring their Shekeres to a central
location to socialize by singing and improvising songs about the
latest gossip and other news of the day. This is how the Shekere
became associated with women. This instrument is played around the
world in many different forms and under many different names. In
Hawaii it is played without beads and is sometimes called an uli ulis.
In Ghana it is smaller, not hollowed and called an axatse. It is
sometimes called a chekere. No matter what you call it, it is a
dynamic example of nature at its finest".
-From the Ahmondylla's Instruments website
Testimonials
"I really do like
my new Shekeres and the Guiro. Your skill and the quality of
construction of the instruments are both excellent. I’m a happy
camper".
"Thank
you Cristina for my beautiful green guiro! It is an fun addition to my
treasured collection of instruments".
"You do beautiful work".
"My gourd drum has a great
sound, and it is light enough to carry anywhere".
"I love my drum, it
sounds amazing"!
"This made a great gift,
thank you".
"Hi Cristina, we love our
pocket percussion shaker and shekere, they are so fun. Thanks"!
"Truly a beautiful piece of
ART"!
In memory of a truly
inspirational gourd artist:
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