Native American, Northwestern Coast United States, Tlingit or Haida, ca. mid-20th century CE. This lovely wooden rattle is handmade and painted in vibrant hues. The whole piece is constructed from two halves riveted together; the seam runs vertically from the finial head to the base of the handle. The spherical body is hollow to hold the stone or bead rattle balls. The finial head is of a stylized creature, perhaps a bear, and has perked ears as well as a rounded snout. The surface is painted in vibrant hues of red, black, and green. Rattles were used for dancing or by shamans to communicate with spirits. The animals and symbols painted on the surface would signify or imbue power to the user. A leather cord for suspension is tied through a piercing on the handle. Size: 9.5" L x 4.5" W (24.1 cm x 11.4 cm)
Provenance: ex-Duane's Antiques, Anchorage, Alaska, USA
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#166710
Condition
Chips to surface and abrasions. Clear varnish or fixative applied to body, but is worn away on the handle from use, and around finial head base. Intact and emits sound.