Africa Heartwood Project Axatse African Shaker - 4" X 8" Handmade Shekere Maraca with Durable Gourd Body, Natural Seed Beads, and Handle - Authentic Shakers Musical Instruments, Handcrafted in Ghana

Africa Heartwood Project Axatse African Shaker - 4" X 8" Handmade Shekere Maraca with Durable Gourd Body, Natural Seed Beads, and Handle - Authentic Shakers Musical Instruments, Handcrafted in Ghana

• AUTHENTIC GHANAIAN CRAFTSMANSHIP: Handmade by skilled artisans in Ghana, this axatse shaker is an authentic African percussion instrument crafted with a traditional hollow calabash gourd for a unique musical experience.
• NATURAL SEED BEADS AND DURABLE DESIGN: Features whole natural seed beads intricately woven in a bright blue string pattern. This shekere African instrument has a strong, dried gourd body and handle that provide durability and unique sound resonance.
• EASY TO PLAY AND VERSATILE: Designed for beginners and professionals alike, it can be played like a maraca instrument, shaken with one or two hands, or manipulated using the blue rope ends for various rhythmic techniques.
• ENHANCED DURABILITY: Includes a rubber strip around the neck to keep beads and string secure, ensuring long-lasting play without slipping or loosening. The extended handle provides excellent grip and control over your shekere musical instrument.
• SUPPORTS A MEANINGFUL CAUSE: Your purchase of this axatse contributes to Africa Heartwood Project's non-profit Village Water Projects and Orphan Support Programs. Enjoy the satisfaction of supporting a meaningful cause while connecting with traditional world rhythmic culture. Every shaker sold supports the sustainable livelihoods of the many individuals and families who contributed to the making of this unique instrument.

<p>This gourd shaker is traditionally known as the axatse (ah-HOT-say) in Ghana, and is also known more generically as a shekere (SHEH-kuh-ray). Each dry, hollow calabash is hand selected for thickness and proportion, then dressed with a lattice work of Job's Tear Seeds. The axatse can be played like a maraca, by gently tugging on the blue rope ends, by swirling or twisting the seed net, or with more intricate double handed techniques. The axatse differs from the Afro-Cuban shekere in that it is smaller and does not produce a bass note when the top of the gourd is struck. Perfect for the young percussionist or world music enthusiast. (World Percussion USA is the ONLY authorized seller of Africa Heartwood Project instruments on  this marketplace. All other sellers claiming above to also sell this item as described are not honest sellers, so proceed with caution.)</p>