E & M PerezEllen and Michael Perez

Ankle Dance Rattle (Vivang) Vanuatu/New Hebrides


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Directory: Archives: Regional Art: Pre 1950: Item # 1271763

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E & M Perez
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Collected in 1944, this dance rattle (known as a vivang), comprised of nut pods (pangium edule), woven fiber and twine, is used in traditional dance ceremonies in the Malakula Islands of Vanuatu, formerly known as New Hebrides. The collection tag is still attached to the rattle, and gives the date and location where it was acquired. The information states that the rattle was worn by "Tonkinese natives", though this form was utilized by the ethnic groups of Vanuatu, and the Tonkinese population was a small minority at that time. The fiber band measures 16" and the dry nut shells hang 3" from the woven band. Very good condition, though quite dry, this rattle is an authentic artifact, and has a wonderful sound when shaken, so it is easy to imagine the sounds when many dancers wore them. Similar angle or leg rattles are found in the Solomon Islands, as well as New Guinea, though other pods or shells are sometimes utilized.