Democratic Republic of Congo
Yaka

Hide, seeds
Late 19th-Early 20th Century
Length: 7 in, Width: 2 in, Depth: 2 in without tassels at the top (Each) 
Idiophone – Struck Indirectly – Shaken -Rattle

The original owner, who operated a lumber company in Zaire (Democratic Republic of Congo) exporting African woods during 1900-1915, received these Yaka (Bayaka) rattles from tribal elders. This pair of authentic 19th century Yaka (Bayaka) rattles show finely tooled leather and appear in good condition. The inner rattle is a ball hand sewn with something inside (possibly seeds). They appear to be put together with fine woven twin leather strips. One looks more complete then the other as one still has the tassels on the end of the leather handle.