Klepperleholz
Klepperleholz (also: Klepperli ) are rhythm instruments or sound devices used on Carnival . They are also called "counter strike tiles". In general southern German usage, they are known as "Klepperle".
Klepperle are a tradition especially in four strongholds of the Swabian-Alemannic Carnival : Gengenbach , Haslach im Kinzigtal , Radolfzell am Bodensee and Waldkirch . The Klepperle have different sizes in the places where they are used. In Radolfzell there is the largest Klepperle, some of which are referred to as “beatings” by Klepperers from other places. In the Innerschwyz in the Swiss canton of Schwyz to be lent to the Chlefelen a similar custom prevalent.
Description and manufacture
The Klepperleholz is mainly made from hardwood . Acacia wood is considered one of the most suitable materials, but it is very rare. Klepperle woods are also made from beech , cherry , ash and partly from birch , walnut ( Ticino ) and elm ( Schwyz ). Occasionally oak wood and veal rib bones are also used as material for production. Only woods that are well-dried and, if possible, stored for several years without cracks or knotholes are suitable for use as Klepperle. The lower beating ends of the wooden boards were partly treated, especially in the past, by hammering nails with round heads, by scorching, hollowing out and weighing down with lead balls or by placing them in a cesspool. Klepperleholz are about eleven to 15 centimeters long, four to five centimeters wide and ten to twelve millimeters thick. They have indentations so that they sit securely between your fingers in your hand.
It takes about 45 minutes to make a pair of simple cinder blocks. First, the notch for the fingers is drilled out. Then the two blanks are sawn out together and then shaped with a wooden rasp. Finally, the Klepperle is finely ground by hand to its final shape and, if necessary, the surface is treated.
When it comes to Klepperle production, the detail counts. If, for example, too much is sanded away, the Klepperle will start to “steal”.
Notation
The spelling is not clear. Sometimes it is assumed that it comes from rattling and therefore “Kläpperle” has to be written. In the meantime, however, the spelling “Klepperle” has established itself in southern Germany.
Some claim, without being able to substantiate this more precisely, that the nagging could have something to do with the vine growers in the vineyards who used such instruments to make noise to drive starlings and other birds from the vines.
More likely, however, is the connection described here with Lent and the medieval use by lepers and fools .
See also
- Chlefelen , similar rattle woods in Switzerland
