Apr 18, 2016
Making of the Xekerê or Agbê.
The Agbê or Xekerê is a handmade rattle. It consists of a hollow gourd or calabash, covered on the outside with a net of seeds, beads, shells, or any available material. Although its origins are West African, today it is found in the Americas and Caribbean as well. When African slaves were taken to the "New World," they carried with them many of these rich musical traditions, which took root in varying degrees in different parts of South America and the Caribbean. In Cuba and Brazil (among others), Yoruba religious traditions using drums and shekeres are found almost completely intact (in Cuba is named Santería, Candomblé in Brazil) - with similar rhythmic patterns, names of instruments and accompanying chants.