Democratic Republic of Congo/Zaire
Yaka

Reed fiber, wood, leather, seeds
Early-Mid 20th Century
Length: 11 in, Width: 2.5 in, Depth: 9 in
Idiophone – Struck Indirectly – Shaken -Rattle

An Yaka wicker basket rattle called ‘Sakila,’ made of reed-fiber wicker ware filled with seeds from the Democratic Republic of Congo/Zaire. This rattle shows age and usage and has tribal repair with reinforced reed fiber sown to bottom leather plate at the bottom.  Wicker rattles were used as a rhythmic instrument in musical performances.  They may also be used for signaling and communication.