Rattle made of strands of plant material curved to form a handle, and then widening to form the bodies of two joined rattles. The same material is wrapped around the handle, and around itself at the base of the handle in order to hold the twin rattles firmly together. Intertwined between the strands on the rattles are strips of leaf (coconut?) in an open weave. Large round pieces of gourd form the base of each rattle. Inside are small white seeds that make a sharp noise when the object is shaken.

• Cultural Context

  religious; ceremonial

• Narrative

  This item is part of a set, acquired from the O Mundo dos Orixás shop, Madureira Market, in Rio de Janeiro.

• History Of Use

  The Caxixi is a percussion instrument used to perform the rhythms specific to each Orixá of the Afro-Brazilian religion Candomblé. It is used in conjunction with the Aguê, the Agogo and the Atabaques. It is mostly used in the Candomblé of the Angola nation (the other two forms being the Candomblé of the Jeje and Ketu nations). From the Candomblé practices this instrument has migrated to other musical forms, including samba.

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• Type of Item rattle
• Culture Brazilian
• Material coconut leaf, gourd fruit, seed
• Measurements height 29.5 cm, width 18.5 cm, depth 9.0 cm (overall)

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• Field Collector Nuno Porto
• Previous Owner Mundo dos Orixas
• Received from Mundo dos Orixas, Museum of Anthropology Acquisitions Budget

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• Made in Rio de Janeiro

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• Creation Date during 2013
• Collection Date during November 2013
• Ownership Date before November 22, 2013
• Acquisition Date on November 22, 2013

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• Item Classes basketry
• Condition fair
• Accession Number 3041/0005