Percussion instrument - a  colourful form of motivation to train motor skills of the hands, too!

Rhythmical shaking of this instrument produces repetitive, rather dry timbre noises. In some kinds of music, a rattle assumes the role of the metronome, as an alternative to the drum. In Urdu language, it is famous by the name of "CHANKANA"
This instrument was used in the ancient world. Today it plays a role in Cha Cha Cha, tango and jazz.
Rattles are also used for infants as a toy. In the 18th and 19th centuries, British policemen used a similar device called a "policeman's rattle" to summon assistance. (from Wikipedia)