cog rattle (ratchet)

Local name: terkotka
Classification: 1 Idiophones / 11 Struck idiophones / 112 Indirectly struck idiophones / 112.2 Scraped idiophones / 112.24 Scraped wheels or cog rattles
Maker: Unknown
Date: 20th c.
Country: Poland
Owner: Museum of Folk Musical Instruments in Szydłowiec
Inventory number: MLIM/MS/1605
Description: a cog wheel whose axle serves as a handle, and a tongue fixed in a frame which is free to turn on the handle; when whirled, the tongue strikes the teeth of the wheel one after another
Measurements: 210 x 155 x 65 mm
Materials: wood
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


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