During the Edo period and continuing into the 20th century, volunteers walked the neighborhood streets at night striking the clappers while calling warnings such as “Beware of Fire” (Hi no yōjin!).  (When I lived in Kyoto in the mid-1990s, our neighbors did this!) They make a distinctive clacking sound that carries farther than expected.

This practice was especially common in winter when wooden houses were vulnerable to fires. The dark burnishing and smooth edges suggest these were in use for decades, likely as actual working patrol clappers. The carved neck with a hole that holds the cording also suggests these are authentic, working hyōshigi, since this feature keeps the cord from wearing against the striking surfaces, allows the blocks to swing freely, and prevents the rope from splitting the wood over time.

Hyōshigi are also used in kabuki to signal the start of a performance, Buddhist temple ceremonies, festivals and street vendors, and martial arts demonstrations.

Based on the wear, wood oxidation, and simple rope attachment, this pair likely dates to the early to mid-20^th Century.  Collectors interested in Japanese folk craft, theatrical props, or fire patrol artifacts might like to add these to their treasures.