caxixi

Shaker (caxixi) made of woven dried plant material, dried gourd slice and seeds. Piece of plastic wrapped around handle.

Found across Africa and South America, mainly in Brazil and Cuba, and used in staging capoeira (an Afro-Brazilian martial art combining dance, acrobatics and music). In brazil the smaller sized caxixi began to be played alongside the berimbau (bow shaped, single stringed instrument). In West Africa, it is used by singers and often alongside drummers. People believed the caxixi to summon good enchanted spiritis and to ward off evil ones.

object
MUSEUM NUMBER
HC.2007.21.5
COLLECTION
MEASUREMENTS
overall: 140 mm x 67 mm x 67 mm
MATERIAL/TECHNIQUE
plant material; seeds
CATEGORY
Education Handling Collection: Musical Instruments
LOCATION
Hands on Base > Display > Case 5
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Collection Information

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