A Finely twined spruce root and mussel shell rattle
A finely twined spruce root and mussel shell, Nootka peoples ceremonial rattle, British Colombia
Late 19th century - early 20th century
Size : 20 cm long
8 ins long
Late 19th century - early 20th century
Size : 20 cm long
8 ins long
made from finely twined alternating bands and dyed wefts enclosing mussel shell shards, this rattle was probably used as a propitiating instrument to accompany dances performed during Potlach ceremonies.
Rattles were important to ceremonial activity for their ability to invoke the spirit world and invite the presence of the ancestors.
Rattles were important to ceremonial activity for their ability to invoke the spirit world and invite the presence of the ancestors.
A Finely twined spruce root and mussel shell rattle
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