111.11 Concussion sticks or stick clappers

Chikka sap 'snake', concussion sticks.
Expandable trellis, with twelve slats of shisham wood (Dalbergia sissoo Roxb.) mounted on a bamboo pole. Each slat is fixed at either end and at the centre of the one adjacent to it by three screws and rings. Made in Mangwal, Sangrur District.

Instrument held in both hands and is alternately extended and contracted so that the slats of wood clash together. The instrument is quite stiff when it is first made and has to be played for some time before it can be played at the requisite speed. It provides a rhythmic accompaniment in traditional male dancing. Manjit Singh advised us that the instrument was created as an improved (i.e. louder) alternative to clapping. The sap features in traditional male dancing such as the Malwa gidda and in bhangra.

object
MUSEUM NUMBER
2006.461
PLACE
COLLECTION
MEASUREMENTS
overall: 280 mm x 255 mm x 43 mm
MATERIAL/TECHNIQUE
wood; metal
CATEGORY
Musical Instruments
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