Livestock bell (cowbell and sheep bell)

A livestock bell allows grazing animals to be located by sound. Cowbells and sheep bells are examples. The traditional acoustic object has a metal body containing a movable clapper, which strikes the body as the animal moves.

Distinctions

A musical cowbell may lack a clapper and instead be struck with a stick. Sleigh bells have a more enclosed body with slots and a loose ball inside. These differences matter when identifying detached bells or parts. This article concerns acoustic bells rather than electronic tracking devices.

Older examples

Record the body, clapper, suspension, collar, inscriptions and repairs. Treat a reported animal species as use history unless documented. Colour or sound alone establishes neither alloy, maker nor age. A later strap or collar should not automatically be dated with the bell.

Sources

• Store norske leksikon: Bjelle