Shakers naturels

Seed and hoof shakers from Groove Masters Percussion, made from natural materials rather than moulded plastic.

These sound nothing like a bead shaker. Instead of a tight rattle they give a loose, dry, rustling wash, closer to leaves or rain than to a percussion instrument, and it is a sound that carries a room without ever becoming sharp. That is why they turn up in sound baths, wellness sessions and multicultural programs as often as in classrooms.

Pangi shakers are strings of dried pangi pods bound to a handle. Bamboo and rope handled versions are stocked, and both are played with a rolling wrist rather than a shake.

Goat hoof chajchas come from the Andes and are a bundle of dried hooves on a handle. The sound is drier again and has a distinct clatter to it.

Wearable versions strap to the ankle or wrist, so the sound comes from stepping or moving rather than from playing, which is what makes them useful in dance and movement work. A kenari seed bracelet does the same thing in a smaller form.

Because these are natural materials, no two are identical in sound or appearance.