Grogger (noise maker) c. 20th century

This "Grogger," or noise maker, is located at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. It is of unknown date and made by an anonymous artist. The object has a pale surface, and its formal elegance draws the eye. Notice how the anonymous artist uses symmetry and balance, creating a visually pleasing form. The handle, adorned with decorative rings, grounds the piece, while the toothed wheel suggests potential movement. This intricate structure invites us to consider how objects function not just as tools but as carriers of cultural meaning. In the context of religious festivals and symbolic gestures, the grogger becomes a performative object, its sound acting as a form of expression. The craftsmanship and design reflect an attention to detail, signifying the value placed on ritual and communal expression. Consider how the grogger, through its design, invites interaction and participation, becoming a conduit for collective action.