Cog Rattle

Unknown

15th or 16th century · Wood · Musical Instruments

It was formerly the custom for the bells of Catholic churches to be silent during Holy Week, having (according to an old legend) "flown to Rome" for that period. Accordingly, the bells were replaced during the celebration of the Mass by another instrument, and this was the cog rattle - a noisemaker that produces a loud, rattling sound when whirled around its handle.

Artist

Unknown

Date

15th or 16th century

Medium

Wood

Culture

French

Department

Musical Instruments

Credit line

Gift of Blumka Gallery, 1954