Leg or Arm Rattle

Leg or arm rattles worn by dances and other public performers. They are made from a flat oval piece of iron that is bent over to form a rattle. There is a loop at each end, with two additional loops attached to it that rattle when the wearer moves. The original label accompanying the rattles notes that they were used in initiation ceremonies of Hu , associated with the exclusively male Poro society.

Further Information

  • Type: Musical instruments
  • Object: Leg or Arm Rattle
  • Materials: Metal
  • Culture Group: Mende
  • Dimensions: 30mm x 258mm
  • Production Date: Unknown
  • Associated Places: Sierra Leone (Created)
  • Associated People: Unknown
  • Museum: World Museum Liverpool Sierra Leone Collection
  • Accession Number: LIVCM.50.78.45 a

Related Objects

Pair of Leg or Arm Rattles

Musical instruments