"Ogene (double bell)"

Bells are used to provide rhythmic accompaniment for singing and dancing throughout Africa. Ogene bells are played by the women of the Igbo people of Nigeria and are played with a wooden beater. It is believed that the use of bells like these in African music inspired the use of cowbells in rock music.

Bell

Instrument Data

Instrument Information

Title

Ogene (double bell)

Alternative Title

Ogene.

Accession Number

1527

Collection

MIMEd

Date Information

Date Made

1968

Period

20th century; 1960s

Gallery Information

Gallery

Laigh Room

Case

Popular instruments display

Maker Information

No information recorded.

Made In

No information recorded.

Description

Technical Description

Technical description: Two clapperless flattened bells joined at their tops by a piece of iron. Held in hand, in play, not suspended from above. Height 178mm.

Provenance

Gift of W. Stevenson, 1981.

Classification