Collected in the region of Segou, Mali
Bambara

Wood
ca. Late 20th century
Length: 8.25 inches
Idiophone – Struck Directly – Concussion

This is a pair of Bambara clappers called tegere.  They are carved out of wood in a tapered form and show burnt geometric patterns on the top side.  Social events are held in an ambiance of dance, music and chant, with various types of instruments accompanying such celebrations.  These Bambara tegere are often accompanied by the guita, a calabash adorned on it edges with cowrie shells.  The tegere and guita keep time with the chorus and accompany the dance of the traditional Bambara puppets.  This tegere shows signs of age and usage.