A percussion instrument consisting of two (or sometimes three) small conical bells, similar to a cowbell, and typically played by striking them with a drumstick. The smaller bell is held uppermost. Either bell may be hit with a wooden stick to make a cowbell like sound or less commonly a clicking sound is produced by squeezing the two bells together.

The agog? may be the oldest samba instrument and was based on West African Yoruba single or double bells. The African agog? bell is also called the gangkogui or gonkogui. It is used in the ceremonial music of religions in Yorubaland as well as in their new world practice, which are based on beliefs brought by slaves from Africa such as candombl?. It may be officially used for congregation or heralding the coming of a dignitary. It is the main instrument of Obatala and Orisa Nla (Orisa Nla o, Alagogo Oje o). (Both Obatala and Orisa n la are very important Yoruba deities or gods)

The Agogo Bell goes well with any of the instruments in our Samba Value Packs.

The agogo bell is made of metal with each bell a different size. This allows a differently pitched note to be produced depending on which bell has been hit. Originally wrought iron, they are now manufactured in a variety of metals and sizes for different sound qualities. The most common arrangement is two bells attached by a U shaped piece of metal. This one has been made in the UK to a clever ergonomic design.

The Agogo Bell can be wiped down with a damp cloth.