Rattle Item Number: 3041/5 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Rattle made of strands of plant material curved to form a handle, and then widening to form the bodies of two joined rattles. The same material is wrapped around the handle, and around itself at the base of the handle in order to hold the twin rattles firmly together. Intertwined between the strands on the rattles are strips of leaf (coconut?) in an open weave. Large round pieces of gourd form the base of each rattle. Inside are small white seeds that make a sharp noise when the object is shaken.

History Of Use

The Caxixi is a percussion instrument used to perform the rhythms specific to each Orixá of the Afro-Brazilian religion Candomblé. It is used in conjunction with the Aguê, the Agogo and the Atabaques. It is mostly used in the Candomblé of the Angola nation (the other two forms being the Candomblé of the Jeje and Ketu nations). From the Candomblé practices this instrument has migrated to other musical forms, including samba.

Cultural Context

religious; ceremonial

Narrative

This item is part of a set, acquired from the O Mundo dos Orixás shop, Madureira Market, in Rio de Janeiro.

Item History

What

Name
Rattle
Identification Number
3041/5
Type of Item
rattle
Material
coconut leaf, gourd fruit and seed
Overall
height 29.5 cm, width 18.5 cm, depth 9.0 cm

Who

Culture
Brazilian
Field Collector
Nuno Porto
Previous Owner
Mundo dos Orixas
Received from
Mundo dos Orixas (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Acquisitions Budget (Funding source)

Where

Holding Institution
MOA: University of British Columbia
Made in
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

When

Creation Date
during 2013
Collection Date
during November 2013
Ownership Date
before November 22, 2013
Acquisition Date
on November 22, 2013

Other

Item Classes
basketry
Condition
fair
Accession Number
3041/0005