Cameroon
Bamileke

Rattan, seeds
Early-Mid 20th Century
Height: 7 in, Width: 9 in
Idiophone – Struck Indirectly – Shaken -Rattle Adornment

Bamileke basketry double rattle from Cameroon. The Bamileke are among the artistic elite of the Cameroon grass fields area. They are ruled by kings, and many of their masks are for royal festivities. This rattle shows patina of age and use. It was worn as an anklet for dancing. The seeds in both cups provide a rhythmic accompaniment which can be further marked by beating the feet on the ground. Underneath, both cups are attached to each other so that the rattle remains tight to the ankle.