Preliminary identification
Photo reference
3 uploaded photos
Overview
This traditional West African percussion instrument, known as a shekere or axatse, is crafted from a dried, hollowed calabash gourd wrapped in a woven fiber net. The net is threaded with hand-cut wooden or seed beads that create a sharp, percussive sound when shaken, twisted, or struck against the hand.
Story
Dried gourds have served as West African musical instruments for over a millennium, transforming simple agriculture into complex rhythm. When shaken, the netted beads strike the hard outer shell to drive the polyrhythmic heartbeat of traditional ceremonies.
Maker / Origin
Crafted by traditional West African artisans, shekeres are built by selecting and curing specific calabash gourds for resonant acoustic properties. Artisans meticulously scrape the interior clean before hand-weaving custom net structures fitted with local seeds, beads, or wooden pieces.
Condition & Value
The dried gourd exhibits natural patina, minor surface scuffs, and a noticeable hole near the neck. The woven netting and strung wooden beads appear intact and properly secured. The structural wear reduces market value slightly but retains decorative charm.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.