The Cow Bell

Mei (student)

A cowbell was worn around the necks of free roaming animals. Herders use it to keep track of the animals. 

The cowbells are handmade from iron, which is cold-hammered and folded on an anvil until it is cup-shaped. Small pieces of copper or tin are set around the iron and enveloped in a mixture of clay and straw. 

The cowbell was used in African music for a long time. Originally, it was used by African cowherders to call and herd cows.