Pair of Clappers thumbnail 1
Not currently on display at the V&A

Pair of Clappers

ca. 1600 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

These chip-carved clappers were probably made in Italy some time in the 16th or 17th century. Clappers were a simple type of percussion instrument, made up of two thick wooden slats joined together with a leather strap, that provided rhythm for folk dancing and were also used as an alarm by bird scarers, night watchmen and even lepers who had to sound them as a warning of their approach.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Clapper
  • Clapper
Materials and techniques
Chip carved wood (possibly walnut) with leather and metal fittings
Brief description
Pair of clappers, Italian, 1500-1600
Physical description
Two wooden boards, flat on one side, carved with geometrical chip carving on the other. With a nailed, metal edging strip and metal rings (of uncertain purpose), and with the broken remainder of a leather strap nailed at one end.
Dimensions
  • Length: 63.5cm
  • Width: 12.7cm
Credit line
Given by Mrs Ellen Hearn
Object history
Given by Mr & Mrs. A.W. Hearn, a 'pair of wooden moulds, Italian, 16th century)
Summary
These chip-carved clappers were probably made in Italy some time in the 16th or 17th century. Clappers were a simple type of percussion instrument, made up of two thick wooden slats joined together with a leather strap, that provided rhythm for folk dancing and were also used as an alarm by bird scarers, night watchmen and even lepers who had to sound them as a warning of their approach.
Collection
Accession number
CIRC.470&A-1923

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Record createdDecember 6, 2005
Record URL
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