Eket, Dance Rattle
39,5 cm (1' 4"), Nigeria

The people of the Eket, closely related to the Ibibio group, live in the southeast of Nigeria. Well before 1900, missionaries came to the country, forbidding local traditions and destroying traditional sanctuaries. Because of this thorough approach, it's no surprise that truly old objects are seldom found in trade. This dance rattle is one of the few that has survived this rigorous phase of obliteration and provides us with insight into the great skill of the traditional carvers of that time. At each end of the twisted carved handle, there are two round hollow bodies, filled with fruit kernels or similar materials. During rhythmic movements, they produce a rattling sound used for ecstatic dancing. The upper hollow body is adorned with a small but typical and excellently crafted Eket mask. Several mostly diamond-shaped patterns decorate the rattle containers. The almost black-appearing wooden rattle is surrounded by an impressive patina.
Collection: G.F. Vesely, AT