Description
The talaka is an indirectly struck idiophone.
Description of the instrument
It is a bar or a large wooden stick placed vertically. At the top end it has four propeller-like blades or crosses attached to a frame. This instrument has two small slats attached to the shaft, which spin like a rattle and produce a great sound when they strike against the scythe that is attached to the top.
Way of playing
The wind drives the blades of the cross and these start the rest.
History
We found this curious artifact in the San Telmo Museum in Donostia. The museum files provide us with extensive information (Beltran, 1997, pp. 47-48).
The instrument in the photo is in the San Telmo Museum and was brought from Lekaroz in 1916. It was used to scare away crows and other birds.
SOURCES
Bibliography
BELTRAN ARGIÑENA, Juan Mari. (1997). San Telmo Museoko soinu eta hots tresnak. Cuadernos de Sección. Folklore.- 6. Zk. Donostia: Eusko Ikaskuntza.
Image gallery
Full sheet
- Number:
- 26
- Classification:
- Idiophones -> Struck -> Indirectly
- Notes:
- Talaka, bele-izugarri
