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 nutshells and animal vertebrae threaded onto white cotton. Other known names for this instrument are segula, segbula and segbureh.

Related Videos

Further Information

• Type: Musical instruments
• Object: Segureh
• Materials: Vegetable, organic fibre, Bone, ivory, tooth, Textile
• Culture Group: Mende
• Dimensions: 270mm [H] x 180mm [W] x 180mm [C]
• Production Date: Pre 1979
• Associated Places: Unknown
• Associated People: Unknown
• Museum: British Museum
• Accession Number: BM:Af.1979.1.479

Related Objects