hammer clapper

photo: Waldemar Kielichowski © Institute of Music and Dance, Warsaw

Classification: 1 Idiophones / 11 Struck idiophones
Maker: Unknown
Date: 20th c.
Country: Poland
Owner: Museum of Folk Musical Instruments in Szydłowiec
Inventory number: MLIM/MS/1604
Description: a wooden mechanical device with a movable hammer fixed to a handle and striking a perpendicular small plank when shaken
Decoration: hammer in the shape of an hourglass, profiled handle, engraved geometrical and zoomorphic motives
Measurements: 166 x 120 x 70 mm
Materials: wood, metal
Performance practice: formerly used to make ritual noise during the folk Koledari ceremonies, instead of church bells during the Holy Week, to frighten away animals during hunting, and to signal vigilance by night watchmen (in towns), nowadays also a toy
Catalog card by: Zbigniew J. Przerembski


Marek Ostrowski (Brańsk), hammer clapper; rec. Jacek Jackowski, Ciechanowiec 2012; ISPAN


Stanisław Klejnas, hammer clapper; rec. Piotr Dahlig, Raducz 1984; ISPAN


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