Michael+C.

Calabash Rattle A sturdy musical instrument for children or professional bands, or a unique handicraft for display.

African musicians have a long tradition of inventing and making small handheld idiophones such as rattles and bells.

Many African-American percussion instruments were developed from common household or agricultural materials that lent themselves to use as knockers, rattles, and scrapers.

The calabash rattle is used by rubbing the shells along the wood to create a resonating sound. This sound is usually used for a beat or "background" music.

This instrument brings out the musical talents and aspects of Africans. It shows their traditions and culture. The instrument being made out of common household items informs us that Africans can be very resourceful.

The rattle is included in many groups of music in Africa. The rattle is almost like a necessity in order to bring out the African music.

"Musical Instruments." Africa: An Encyclopedia for Students. Ed. John Middleton. Vol. 3. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 2002. 111-114. 4 vols. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Gale. Blue Valley West High School. 5 Apr. 2009 .

Gill, Jonathan. "Musical Instruments." Encyclopedia of African-American Culture and History. Ed. Colin Palmer. Vol. 4. 2nd ed. Detroit: Macmillan Reference USA, 2006. 1544-1547. 6 vols. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Gale. Blue Valley West High School. 5 Apr. 2009 .