Owner: HWMC
Catalog#: AF-IDST-078-14
Bells, Metal
Togo 'Atoke' Bell
Togo
Togo People
Iron, string
Mid 20th century
Length: 9 inches
Idiophone – Struck Directly – Metal Bell
The atoke, sometimes called the banana bell, comes from Togo. It is found throughout West Africa. It is a single metal bell in the shape of a banana or boat. The sound is produced by holding the bell in the palm of one hand and striking it with the other hand using a forged-iron rod. It is a musical instrument used to play a constant rhythmical pattern in musical ensembles such as drumming groups, the same function as the double bell gangojui.