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Bell rattle
Unknown people
mid-20th century
Object Place: Possibly Senegal or Cameroon
Medium/Technique
Leather, vegetable fiber, seashells, seed beads, bronze
Dimensions
Length 38 cm, width 5.5 cm (Length 14 15/16 in., width 2 3/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Joseph R. Coolidge in memory of his wife, Peggy Stuart Coolidge
Accession Number1985.833
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsContemporary Art, Musical Instruments
ClassificationsMusical instruments – Idiophones
DescriptionBody comprised of bundle of strips of animal skin, one half wrapped with twined plant fiber and burlap to form cigar-shaped handle. Seven longitudinal rows of cowrie shells tied along handle. Tied near lower end of handle are four small bronze bells, two loops of white seed beads, two loops of larger white beads, and piece of red yarn. Loop of twine at upper end of handle for carrying.
ProvenancePeggy Stuart Coolidge (1913-1981), New York; 1981, by inheritance to her husband, Joseph R. Coolidge (1916-1999), New York; 1985, gift of Coolidge, Cushing, Maine, to the MFA. (Accession Date: November 27, 1985)