This is an instrument used to mark rhythm and is often obtained from a pair of fine wooden sticks, played holding one in each hand. Fixed to each stick are small dried fruits of MATAMBA (a sort of wild orange) which are filled with HOTA seeds or pebbles from the river. In the commonest version in Zimbabwe, the instrument consists of two gourds, of the wild and inedible type, which are used in pairs, like maracas. The choice of gourds privileges those of similar dimensions but with different tonalities. The hole through which the HOSH gourd is filed with stones is closed by a sort of mesh, almost an embroidery of cord and copper which - naturally - also has decorative purposes. In Zimbabwe this type of instrument accompanies the music of the MBIRA.
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