RATTLES
Uganda
Idiophone

These tiny rattles, made from cotton thread with three metal rattles, have a very particular story. They are traditionally used by the BAGNORO community of Uganda. The women usually fix a rattle to the wrists, or more often to the big toe, of babies or infants that can just take their first steps, This way they can check their movements, following the characteristic jingling of the rattles. They can also be considered small sonorous toys, to attract the curiosity of the baby. In some cases, they are even used to teach the children to walk: an expert mother is said to be able to evaluate the way a child is walking by the (more or less regular) rhythm produced by the rattles. The different colours of the individual bells, tied together three or four at a time, or the alternating of bells made from different metals, is mainly for ornamental purposes.