01/05/2024
The Shekere has a rich history rooted in the ancestral traditions of the Yorubas particularly Oyo, stemming from journeys between Ile Ife and the contemporary Oyo kingdom. In the beginning, gourds were used to conceal gifts for visitors at the Palace.
Shekere initially started as a process of filling the gourds with stones and shaking it, the craft evolved over time, incorporating and attaching beads worn by foremothers on their necks and waists. This gradual transformation highlights the cultural evolution of shekere.
There are two distinct types of shekere. The 'olowo eyo' or "shekere aje" variety, adorned with cowrie shells, is reserved for royal events, not performed in religious or casual settings.
The second type is played in social events and religious settings, reflecting the diverse roles this unique instrument plays in cultural and religious contexts.
Photo: A Man playing the Olowo Eyo Shekere in Ijebu Ode.
Duckworth E.H 1930-1972
