How do you make a gourd rattle?

When making a gourd rattle, the neck of the gourd is cut off and all the seeds shaken out. There is a fibrous membrane that must be removed. It kind of looks like the inside of a pumpkin. Some people boil the gourd until all the membrane pulls away from the inner shell of the gourd.

How do you dry rattles with gourds?

Coat the inside of your gourd with varnish. Using a small paintbrush that fits inside the hole in the bottom, cover the inside with varnish, leaving the gourd to sit overnight to dry completely. Put noisemakers inside your gourd. Possible choices include small stones or pebbles, beans, seeds or rice.

How is gourds and rattle played?

Playing Technique Holding the calabash’s natural handle in their strong hand, they simultaneously strike their rattles against their thighs (producing the sound “pa”) and against their week hands (producing the sound “ti”). Other Ghanaian tribes have discovered this Ewe instrument as well.

How do you waterproof the inside of a gourd?

Plasti Dip is also a tried and true method of waterproofing a gourd. It creates a rubber like coating on the inside of the gourd. Then, there are methods that don’t require sealers at all. Insert a plastic or glass container inside your gourd to serve as a holder for water or plants.

How do you prepare gourds for painting?

Select your best natural gourd and get ready to prepare it for painting.
Soak your gourd for an hour or two in a bucket of soapy water before scrubbing it.
Wipe over the gourd with Clorox on a rag when the gourd is dry.
Cut your hole or holes in the side of gourd, if you plan to use it as a birdhouse.

What gourds can be dried?

Drying gourds involves drying the inside and outside of a gourd. Different types of gourds have varying dry times: Cucurbita gourds will cure in a few weeks, and Lagenaria gourds will take upwards of six months to fully cure.

How do you prepare a gourd for painting?

Soak your gourd for an hour or two in a bucket of soapy water before scrubbing it. After the time has passed, put on a paper mask to avoid breathing any of the acidic dust from the gourd. Start scrubbing the gourd with a steel wool pad. Scrub as much of the black spots off as will come off.

What kind of paint do you use on gourds?

I used acrylic craft paints from the craft store. They generally go on smoothly and cover well in one coat (except white). Gloss paint looks really good on the finished gourd, but can cost twice as much as flat paint. Paint the background or base coat first.

What is the most important instrument in Africa?

drums
Among the most important African instruments are drums and other percussion. They’re used in almost all African cultures for ceremonies and rituals, some of which involve dancing. African music uses all sorts of rattles and shakers. These instruments are portable and hand-held, and they effectively provide rhythm.

What kind of paint do you use to paint gourds?

Paint the outside of your gourd rattle, if desired. Although you can use oil-based paint, acrylic paints are much more convenient and easier to clean up. If you plan to paint a design on your gourd, sketch it using a pencil first so you have an outline to follow.

Can you use a gourd as a rattlesnake handle?

Choosing a gourd that has a well-formed stem allows you to use the stem as the handle for your rattle, so you don’t have to take the extra time to create a separate handle. Allow your gourd to cure completely before cutting into it; if you hear the seeds rattling, your gourd is ready for crafting.

What is a gourd used for?

Their use and value, from practical utility to musical instrument — also make gourds carriers of Native American tradition. Decorated gourd rattles. Photo courtesy Ron Carlos. SFA’s Master Potter Ron Carlos remembers receiving his first gourd rattle, and talked with BorderLore about the traditional uses of gourds.