This wooden instrument is made up of two planks hinged so they emit a sound when they strike against each other. It is used to give a signal or an order. Its use is universal on both sides of the Atlantic. It is very useful for coordinating the movements of a group of people, such as chorists and schoolchildren.
Its use is associated with discipline, since it’s mainly used to give commands. In the 19th century, children were more apt to walk with a clapper than with a stick! The clacking sound imposed obedience. A code was established and known to all: One tap to stand up, for example, two taps to sit down. The signals could dictate various messages, such as to line up or be silent.
Using the clapper brought a distracted pupil back to reality, and spared the teacher from having to shout! Like the whistle, and later the table bell, the clapper was part of a teacher’s tools. The latter eventually replaced the clapper.
For elementary school pupils, the sound of the clapper was enigmatic to say the least, as this testimonial attests: “The famous clapper has always remained a mystery to us. Mademoiselle Anna held it so well hidden in her hand that we always wondered how she could make so much noise with her fingers alone.” (Au temps du pilon, republished in 2000 by Nouvelles Éditions du Creusot, boulevard Henri-Paul Schneider – France)
