Segbureh Gourd

This gourd was originally part of a segbureh, though it is now missing its beaded netting. The segbureh 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. Other known names for this instrument are segula, segbula and segureh.

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Further Information

• Type: Musical instruments
• Object: Segbureh Gourd
• Materials: Vegetable, organic fibre
• Culture Group: Other
• Dimensions: Unknown
• Production Date: Pre 1960
• Associated Places: Unknown
• Associated People: Dr. M.C.F. Easmon (Collector)
• Museum: Sierra Leone National Museum
• Accession Number: SLNM.1960.17.15

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