Name of Instrument: cowbell

Maker / Brand:

Stearns Catalog #: 0260

Country of Origin: Switzerland

Region of Origin: Europe

Instrument Category: Idiophone

Date of Fabrication:

Location: IDI H 4

Description: The heart-shaped body of this Cowbell is fashioned from thin bronze, and is supplied with an iron tongue. Two long iron buckles serve to adjust the broad leather strap about the neck of the animal. The 1921 Stearns Catalogue claims that, "This type of bell is used on festival occasions to designate the finest animal of the herd. The leather strap is then profusely decorated with flowers. When the herds come from the Alps to the valley, the leader always bears the finest-toned bell."

Research: Stearns Staff