Ritual object

Galappo

Note: The following text is taken from a 19th-century collection catalog and, in its language and perspective, partially reflects colonial thought patterns. We present the text in its original version to make the collection's history transparent and promote a critical examination of the colonial legacy. Certain terms and formulations may be perceived as problematic today. A 2009 research project concluded that most descriptions are factually correct and still usable; only a few details were found to be inaccurate or incorrect. The results of this project were published in the following collection catalog: https://khm-wmw-tm-library.on.worldcat.org/oclc/1457155265

"488. Devil expellers - "Galappo" 
A large, thick bamboo pole, about as long as a man is tall, which has been split its entire length except for about one foot at one end, similar to the previously described object. In the bottom part that has not been split, a slat of about one foot has been inserted through two openings through the pole. This instrument is placed in the large, main room of the house, next to the central post, in a hole in the floor, with the split part downwards; the cross-slat prevents the pole from falling completely through the hole to the ground. All the houses stand free on piles, or posts. To expel the evil spirits, the upper part of the pole, which is inside the house, is hit; this causes the instrument to move and make a rattling noise. It is also carried around and shaken for festive processions, at parties, weddings, funerals to keep the evil spirits away."

Translation of: Czurda, F. A. J. (1883). Catalog mit Erklärungen der Etnografischen Privatsammlung des Dr. F. A. J. Czurda in Postelberg (Böhmen). (p. 120-121). Wien, Wilhelm Braumüller