rattle

rattle

rattle

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Introduction

A rattle, likely Anishinaabe, made of deer dew claw rattles and a wooden handle that has been carved into the shape of a thunderbird.

Nation of Maker: Anishinaabe
Nation of Origin

Observations, and similarity to other Anishinaabe rattles

Summary of Source(s) for this Relative

GRASAC generated.

Materials

deer dew claws; wood; tanned hide thongs

Techniques or Format

Dew claws are tied together with hide thongs knotted around the carved wooden handle. Top of the handle has been carved into the shape of a bird. Lower portion of the handle as been carved into semi-circle and notch contour on one side, and tapers into a point at the end.

Motifs and Patterns

Top of handle is carved as a bird - Thunderbird. Carved pattern contour on the handle could be modified zigzag pattern(?).

Additional Context

Possible modified zigzag contour could represent flash of lightening emanating from Thunderbird(?). See rattle from NMNH-SI (E178380) Peter Jones Collection for similarity in handle design.

Other Notes

Sound of deer dew claws very similar to rain.

Dimensions: 25 × 0 × 0 cm
Condition: Good.
Current Location: Denver Art Museum, CO, USA
Catalogue, Accession or Reference Number: 1971.571
GKS Reference Number: 25281
Record Creation Context

Visit to Denver Art Museum of Alex Nahwegahbow and Ruth Phillips, assisted by Eric Berkemeyer and Kristin Strid on 22 Jan 2014

Copyright

Work in Progress.

Approximate Place of Origin

45.8, -83.9

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