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This is a primitive rattle, made from a stick with rings of calabash. Also known as a wasembe, telewasa, and wasaumba, the rakatak rattle has a unique and distinctive sound when the discs of calabash clack together.
Calabash is more commonly known as bottle gourd, a fleshy fruit often grown naturally in Senegal. It has a thick skin that, once dried, becomes firm and has a multitude of uses, from bottles (hence the name) to musical instruments and more.
This rakatak rattle is sourced using Fair trade principles. See below for more information about the Honestly Made range of musical instruments from Percussion Plus.
These items are musical instruments not toys and there may be small parts on or in some of them. Younger players should use them under supervision.
Quick downward motions cause the calabash discs to clack together, creating an interesting, mellow tone. There are typically 5 discs on the stick so, when shaken continuously, a full percussive sound is produced.
