The first bells were made of stone. Early cultures associated bells with magic powers. The Indians of Ecuador worshipped bell idols shaped like lions and tigers. In Central Africa, bells decorate the scepters of royalty. Medicine men wear iron bells. Not quite as exciting, many cultures use bells to keep track of livestock. The Jamtown double bell, or ÔagogoÕ is iron, hand pounded in central Ghana in a heat intensive, laborious process unchanged over the ages. This bell lacks the clapper, which the cows hate anyway, but comes with a heavy stick striker.
How to Play: The bell is easily the most powerful instrument in the Jamtown bag. With your palm facing up, lay the large bell into your hand. Keep fingers spread for the loudest sound level. Close your fingers around the bell to muffle or ÔchokeÕ the blow. Knock on the stem of the bell for a third distinctive clang.
The first bells were made of stone. Early cultures associated bells with magic powers. The Indians of Ecuador worshipped bell idols shaped like lions and tigers. In Central Africa, bells decorate the scepters of royalty. Medicine men wear iron bells. Not quite as exciting, many cultures use bells to keep track of livestock. The Jamtown double bell, or ÔagogoÕ is iron, hand pounded in central Ghana in a heat intensive, laborious process unchanged over the ages. This bell lacks the clapper, which the cows hate anyway, but comes with a heavy stick striker.