African Gourd Rattle
Gourd Rattle from Africa donated by Rick Tyler. This instrument along with others were gifts given to Miles and Doris Tyler during their missionary work at the Hillcrest School in Jos, Nigeria. Instruments are from the late 1980’s to early 1990’s. Later donated to the McPherson Museum. Click on a photo to get a closer look at the carving details.
Music plays a significant role in African cultures. Music is important for rituals and religious ceremonies. Music in Africa is danced to and sung, as well as used to tell stories to be passed down from generation to generation. Specifically in Nigeria, music keeps away bad spirits and honors the good spirits around them. In other events, such as during childbirth, while working or when honoring royalty, music is also sung or played. A large portion of the music heard today started in Africa and by African descendants when they came to the United States as enslaved peoples.