028 Β - Animal bell

THE METALLIC BODY of an animal bell was made of thin shΕΕΤs of copper or bronze. In Greece, animal bells can be encountered in various names depending on their shape, use and place of origin. In the local dialects of Mani they are known as “kypria”, “trokania” or “mourtaries”. Bells were mounted on the necks of animals with wooden or leather collars and were used in order to identify animals that left the herd. Each shepherd chose the bells of his herd carefully: the goal was to reconcile harmoniously the depth and quality of the sound, so it would be recognizable by him as well as by the other shepherds. Animal bells were bought at local workshops or from strΕΕΤ vendors in festivals.

Donor: Vasilis Kontakos