The hosho are Zimbabwean musical instruments consisting of a pair of Maranka gourds with seeds. Typically hota (Canna indica) seeds are put inside them. The hosho are used to accompany Shona music, especially mbira music. They make a rattling sound that western ears may be unaccustomed to hearing. However, this accompaniment is essential when playing mbira and or Marimba music. So, essential in fact, that extra vibrating elements, such as mirlitons (buzzing membranes made from spider webs are attached to the resonating tubes of Marimbas) and machachara (miniature Hosho made from seashells or bottle caps are attached to the Mbira and its Deze). Mbiras and Marimbas from Africa; and even other instruments, such as drums will have some kind of rattles associated with their use.
From a western perspective the hosho are seen as accompanying instruments to Mbira, when in actuality they are seen as the lead instruments by the mbira players.
A smaller version of the hosho is made of a wild orange called a damba, tied together with sticks and filled with hota seeds or pebbles.
Other related percussion instruments from Zimbabwe include the magavhu (leg rattle) and ngoma (drum).
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