HOW TO MAKE A GOURD CONCUSSION RATTLE

About the Pod Concussion Rattle

The pod concussion rattle is known variously along the West African coast as kas kas, kashaka, kosika, televi, aslatua, kakandika, and patica. The instrument consists of two striker-filled tree pods that are connected by a short length of cordage. It is played by holding a pod between the fingers of one hand and flipping the other over the hand so that it collides with its mate.

📘 What You’ll Get

Our comprehensive PDF tutorial equips you to craft a pod concussion using small cylindrical gourds rather than the tree-borne pods. Designed for percussionists, DIY enthusiasts, arts & crafts facilitators, and homeschoolers, this guide walks you step-by-step through the process.

🛠 Inside the Tutorial

• ✅ A curated list of suppliers for gourds, cordage, strikers, and other essential materials
• ✅ Detailed instructions for preparing the gourds:
• Cleaning the exteriors
• Opening and removing seeds/pulp
• Treating the interior and exterior
• ✅ Basic guidance on how to play the instrument once it’s complete

🎶 Why This Tutorial?

With this resource, you’ll not only build an instrument—you’ll connect with a rich cultural tradition while developing a new skill.

You will get a PDF (805 kb) file