Rattle
It was formerly the custom for the bells of Catholic churches to be silent during Holy Week, having (according to an old legend) "flown to Rome" for that period. Accordingly, the bells were replaced during the celebration of the Mass by another instrument, and this was the cog rattle - a noisemaker that produces a loud, rattling sound when whirled around its handle.
Rectangular hardwood block chip-carved with geometric designs, pierced on two broad sides by crosses, hollowed by a large rectangular opening cut through from narrow sides, with integral carved handle, the end opposite the handle pierced by a hole through which a sliding rod might have protruded, the rod making a loud sound when the block was shaken.
Rectangular hardwood block chip-carved with geometric designs, pierced on two broad sides by crosses, hollowed by a large rectangular opening cut through from narrow sides, with integral carved handle, the end opposite the handle pierced by a hole through which a sliding rod might have protruded, the rod making a loud sound when the block was shaken.
Artwork Details
- Title: Rattle
- Date: 15th century or later
- Medium: Wood
- Dimensions: L. 28.7 cm (11-1/4 in.); W. 5.9 cm (2-1/2 in.); D. 4.5 cm 1-3/4 in.)
- Classification: Idiophone-Shaken-rattle
- Credit Line: Gift of Kimberly and Justin Nasatir, 1996
- Object Number: 1996.320.1
- Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments
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ca. 1420
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ca. 1575
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