Southern Africa
Swazi, Venda and Zulu

Goatskin, Argema mimosae
Mid 20th Century
Length: 10 inches
Idiophone – Struck Indirectly – Shaken -Rattle Adornment

 Butterfly cocoon dance jingles/rattles are made by the Swazi, Venda and Zulu tribes of Southern Africa. The cocoons are sewn onto goatskin and are identified as the Argema mimosae, known as the African moon moth, a giant silk moth of the Saturniidae family. These cocoon rattles are used for ceremonial dancing and are tied around the legs.