Morocco and Algeria
Gnawa

Metal: Iron
Early 20th Century
Length:  7 in;  Width (Cymbal crown) 3 in; Depth: 1.25 in
Idiophones – Struck Directly – Concussion – Clappers

The “krakebs” (karkaba) are a large handmade iron castanet-like idiophone primarily used as the rhythmic aspect of Gnawa music. They are handheld cymbal-type instruments consisting of four cymbals (two held in each hand) attached by a string and are played much  like castanets.  Oral history says they represent the sound of horse’s hooves hitting the round as the people were carried away in grain sacks, and the rattling of shackles that used to hold the people captive.  Each of the cymbals has a prominent raised middle section and incised scalloping around the edge which continues around the entire edge of each set. 

The Gnawa People can be found in Morocco, Algeria and some parts of Libya.  They are part of the Berber ethnic group and related to the Maghreb (Northwestern Africa) People of Morocco.  The Gnawa have adopted Islam which is practiced by the majority of Gnawa in their traditional music that combines Islamic sufism and African traditions.  

In their culture, musicians are referred as people who practice healings which ties to the pre-Islam African rites.  Musicians play deeply hypnotic music which is marked by the low toned, string instrument called the “sintir;” melodies of call and response singing; hand clapping with the rhythmic “krakebs.”