Leg and Ankle Rattles bring another dimension to dance, one that is both percussive and ornamental. The sound of ankle rattles parallels the motions of the wearer, adding rhythm and texture, blurring the division between music and dance.
These wearable instruments, fashioned from cocoons, seedpods, animal hooves, bells, or other materials, are common to many cultures and are worn by shamans and medicine men as well as dancers and musicians.