Pair of Traditional Iron Dance Rattles – Iku Type – Yoruba Attribution – Nigeria Origin: Nigeria (attributed) Culture: Yoruba cultural area (attributed) Type: Pair of traditional dance rattles, Iku type Material: Hand-forged iron Dimensions: Approximately 12 × 11 cm each Period: Presumably 20th century Provenance: Collected in situ by the present owner in the early 1990s An attractive pair of traditional West African iron dance rattles, attributed to the Yoruba cultural area of Nigeria and closely related to the type known as iku. Each piece is constructed from a twisted iron rod forming an almost circular frame, incorporating two opposed, flattened, pod-shaped elements and several small suspended iron rings. The hand-forged construction is particularly appealing, with subtle irregularities, slightly differing proportions and a beautiful dark brown oxidised patina. The twisted iron frames create a strong graphic rhythm, while the flattened elements introduce an interesting contrast between linear and rounded forms. The small suspended rings would have contributed to the metallic sounds produced when the objects were set in motion. The two examples are similar but not identical, reflecting their individual hand-forged manufacture. Their compact proportions, dark surfaces and restrained construction give them a distinctive sculptural presence. An interesting pair of traditional African iron instruments, appreciated both for their ethnographic character and for the expressive simplicity of their design. Cultural context Iron dance rattles of this general type are documented among the Yoruba peoples of Nigeria and neighbouring regions of West Africa. Known in some Yoruba traditions as iku, these instruments were worn around the ankles during dancing, producing rhythmic metallic sounds through the movement of their suspended elements. Examples are preserved in several important museum collections. The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture holds a comparable wrought-iron dance rattle, inventory number 2008.10.10, featuring two pod-like elements and several suspended iron rings. The Seattle Art Museum also preserves a pair of Yoruba iron anklet rattles identified as iku, inventory number 2007.248. Such instruments could form part of ceremonial and social dance traditions, adding a percussive dimension to the movements of the wearer. Similar Yoruba wrought-iron rattles have also been documented in the African art market as traditional currency objects. Hamill Gallery, for example, identifies comparable examples as "rattle anklet currencies", describing their dual function as objects of exchange and musical ornaments. While their use as dance rattles is well documented in museum collections, the precise monetary role of the present examples remains uncertain. Their precise regional origin and original ceremonial context remain undocumented. A Personal Note We love the way these two little objects seem to have two entirely different lives. At rest, they are austere miniature sculptures, made from little more than twisted iron, flattened metal and a handful of rings. In motion, they become accomplices of the dancer. There is something rather wonderful about a blacksmith making rhythm visible, even before the dancing begins. Condition Good overall condition for traditional hand-forged iron objects of this presumed age. Both pieces display extensive old oxidation, surface wear, rubbing, minor irregularities and variations in the forged metal. The dark brown patina has attractive variations in colour and texture. Small openings and irregularities are visible in the flattened elements. Several suspended rings are preserved on both examples. Please examine the photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the description. Included The pair of iron rattles only. The transparent photographic supports are not included.