The wassakhoumba (in Soussou language) is a hand-held shaker. It is made out of a curved or angled stick, on which several pierced calabash disks are threaded. There are different types of wassakhoumba, each traditionally used by a particular ethnic group (Peul or Soussou).
It is usually played in pair - one in each hand (one of them facing up, and the other one facing down).
They are shaken up and down to provide a crisp, clapping sound.
The wassakoumba originated in Guinea (west Africa).
It was traditionally played during a young man's circumcision ceremony.
Peuls often play it accompanied by a flute called Fule Tambin.
All musical instruments are authentic pieces imported directly from west Africa
(Guinea, Mali, Senegal, Sierra Leone.). The craftsmen who create them are descended from families who have produced the same artefacts from generations. They have mastered the techniques of selecting materials and building instruments through the years. Hear for yourself the unique sound that first echoed through Africa and now the world
