Segureh Shaker

musical instrument

MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS & SHEET MUSIC
Africa, Sierra Leone
gourd; shell; textile
overall: 20 x 3 1/4 x 4 1/4 in.

Segureh shaker instrument associated with the Mende Cultural Group of Sierra Leone, Africa. Percussion instrument consists of a dried gourd surrounded by a string net strung with shells or nut casings; strings from the net are intentionally left long to produce the unique sound of the segureh. The segureh is traditionally played exclusively by women. Likely presented to donor during 1997 ceremony in Farmington, CT, to honor wife of the deposed leader of Sierra Leone; donor was a member of the Sierra Leone Cultural Society and performed the Mende Libation during the ceremony. Object originally loaned to MSM for Amistad Exhibit during early 2000s. Overall good condition. Overall: 20 x 3 1/4 x 4 1/4 in.

2002.74.3