Segureh

The segureh or seghura, is a Mende percussion instrument consisting of a small calabash or gourd, surrounded by a string net, strung with small pieces of shell, or nut shell. The gourd is held by the neck in one hand, whilst the other hand pulls the net, causing the shells to clash against the sides of the gourd. It is traditionally used exclusively by women. This example uses cowrie shells, threaded onto white cotton. Other known names for this instrument are segula, segbula and segbureh. This was originally part of the Wellcome Historical Medical Museum collection. It was acquired by the British Museum in 1954.

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Further Information

• Type: Musical instruments
• Object: Segureh
• Materials: Vegetable, organic fibre, Shell, Textile
• Culture Group: Mende
• Dimensions: 205mm [H] x 170mm [W]
• Production Date: Pre 1954
• Associated Places: Unknown
• Associated People: Wellcome Historical Medical Museum
• Museum: British Museum
• Accession Number: BM:Af.1954.23.3700

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