In this lot is a pair of silk moth cocoon Botswana Shaman dance rattles. In Botswana, they are called Matlhoa or Matlhao. These rattles are made by placing seeds inside a silk moth cocoon and stringing them together. The sound is surprisingly aggressive, not loud, but because of the number of individual rattles, the volume can be heard well. The rattles are wrapped around the legs of a Shaman when he performs traditional dances, particularly trance dances where the Shaman can go into an altered state and take on powers of healing. These rattles measure 58" and 64" with 11" ties on each end. These rattles are surprising sturdy and in good condition.