Owner: HWMC
Catalog#: AF-IDST-084-14
Bells, Metal
Ewe 'Gankogui' Bell (Agogo)
Ghana/Togo
Ewe
Metal-iron
Mid 20th century
Length: 10 inches
Idiophone – Struck Directly – Double Metal Bells
This Ewe double prong iron bell is called “Gankogui,” also known as agogo bell, double bell, or hi-low bell. It is used traditionally in a variety of West African and Brazilian percussion ensembles and is believed to originally come from the Ewe people of Ghana/Togo.
By striking the bells with a mallet or beater a two-pitch song is created. It is often used to keep time for the drummer, dancers, and singers. Each gankogui is of hand-forged iron.