All kinds of shakers, called ÔHoshoÕ (hoe-show), are important in African dance and rhythm. Seed pods from the Tswawa (Swa-wa) trees are common but grow in remote forests. Villagers in the North gather the fallen pods and then skewer them with hand carved wooden sticks. Ankle bracelets are also fashioned from this resource, as many as 12 to 15 pods on each leg. Ancient rattles span all cultures, originally made of wood or metal containers filled with seeds or small pebbles. You can never have too many shakers. A quick trip to the kitchen for a box of cereal, or a handful of pebbles in a plastic bottle will get everyone shaking!
How to Play: Whip this three pod Hosho in the air and give it a twist. Lightly slap it against your palm. Close your hands over the pods to produce a muffled rattle. Clap your free hand with the closed hand. These techniques result in unique sounds, just like every Hosho has itsÕ own story. Stomping your feet at the same time is also customary.
All kinds of shakers, called ÔHoshoÕ (hoe-show), are important in African dance and rhythm. Seed pods from the Tswawa (Swa-wa) trees are common but grow in remote forests. Villagers in the North gather the fallen pods and then skewer them with hand carved wooden sticks. Ankle bracelets are also fashioned from this resource, as many as 12 to 15 pods on each leg. Ancient rattles span all cultures, originally made of wood or metal containers filled with seeds or small pebbles. You can never have too many shakers. A quick trip to the kitchen for a box of cereal, or a handful of pebbles in a plastic bottle will get everyone shaking!