Rhythmkids Shekere

The Overseas Connection Rhythmkids shekeres are built to exact specifications, starting from the gourds on up, so each one is a fine musical instrument. They are made of specially selected 6" gourds that are hollowed out and wrapped with a finely woven net of beads.

How they are made:
One man travels to Ghana where the best gourds are grown. He spends several weeks going to the gourd markets and meeting with the farmers until he has collected thousands of gourds with the exact size and shape needed. When he returns to the South with a huge truck full of the raw gourds, a group of 8 people spend many weeks cleaning, smoothing, and sizing each gourd.

They totally clean the inside of every gourd and they smooth all the openings with sandpaper before applying a coat of natural shea butter to give a rich luster. While this is going on, a group of 18 women are busy weaving all the nets to exact standards, using the best nylon cord and beads available.

When both parts of the production are complete, a third group of people match the beaded nets to gourds of the right size and shape to create these musical works of art.