Nigerian Wood Double Rattles

Made from ukpo wood in southern Nigeria by the Ibo tribe, these unique rattles are played on many occasions, including the annual Yam Festival. Traditionally a sorcerer played a specific rhythm on these rattles to bring spirits down from the heavens for important ceremonies and then to send them "home" again, but now anyone is allowed to play them-even for secular occasions. You can get many different sounds from these by shaking them various ways and even hitting them against your free hand. Try playing two at the same time.