Why do Ubi-Ogazu dancers wear ankle bells and seedpod rattles?

In the context of African dance, Ubi-Ogazu dancers wear ankle bells and seedpod rattles specifically to accentuate their movements.1

These items serve as percussive accessories that highlight the intricate footwork and rhythmic patterns characteristic of the dance. By producing sound in direct response to the dancer's steps, these rattles and bells help the performer articulate the rhythm, which is a fundamental aspect of skill assessment in many African dance traditions. While such instruments are often associated with the supernatural or protective roles in various cultures, their primary function in the Ubi-Ogazu performance is to emphasize the dancer's physical execution of the rhythmic variations.12