The hosho is a traditional Zimbabwean percussion instrument commonly used in Shona music. It consists of dried seed pods filled with seeds or pebbles to create a shaking sound.

Hosho are traditionally played alongside drums in ceremonies, community gatherings and musical performances, helping to establish rhythm and collective energy.

The triple pod form offers a fuller, slightly layered sound compared to a single shaker, while still maintaining a gentle tonal quality.

A shamanic rattle is a traditional percussion instrument used in ceremony, healing practices, and journeying traditions across many indigenous cultures. The rhythmic sound of the rattle is used to focus attention, clear energy, and guide meditative or trance states. In Amazonian traditions such as the Shipibo culture, gourd rattles filled with seeds are commonly used by shamans during healing ceremonies, prayer, and spiritual work.

Despite its rustic construction, this rattle produces a soft and controlled tone rather than a sharp or aggressive sound.

It may be used for:

Its subtle acoustic texture makes it ideal where a light, grounding rhythm is desired.

These hosho rattles are handmade using locally sourced natural materials. Their production contributes to regional artisan economies and supports traditional instrument-making techniques.

Hosho belong to the broader family of gourd and seed pod percussion instruments found across cultures. While rooted in Zimbabwean musical tradition, their simple rhythmic quality makes them adaptable to contemporary meditative and ceremonial use.

We curate our percussion collection with an emphasis on:

Is this an authentic Zimbabwean hosho?
Yes. It is made in Zimbabwe using traditional seed pod construction methods.

Is the sound loud?
No. It produces a soft, earthy, rhythmic tone.

Is each piece identical?
No. Natural seed pods vary slightly in size, shape and tone.

Is this suitable for ceremonial use?
Yes. It is well suited for meditation, ritual, circle work and light rhythmic accompaniment.