Raven Rattle
Tlingit artist, Raven Rattle, ca. 1890, paint on wood, The Elizabeth Cole Butler Collection, no known copyright restrictions, 87.88.74
This work is not currently on view.
- Title
Raven Rattle
- Artist
- Date
ca. 1890
- Medium
paint on wood
- Dimensions (H x W x D)
14 in x 3 3/4 in x 3 1/4 in
- Collection Area
Native American Art
- Category
Northwest Coast
Ceremonial and Ritual Objects
- Object Type
rattle
- Cultural Group
Tlingit
- Credit Line
The Elizabeth Cole Butler Collection
- Accession Number
87.88.74
- Copyright
no known copyright restrictions
- Terms
Northwest Coast Native American styles
Raven rattles were used throughout the Northwest Coast by people of high rank. The delicate and elaborate carving of these status objects displays the skills of the maker. The body of one of these rattles usually represents a raven, with the head of a hawk carved on its breast. A reclining figure, possibly a shaman, is carved on the back of the rattle. The figure's tongue is joined to the mouth of a bird or frog - in this example, a frog - possibly signifying a transfer of power from one to the other. This may indicate that it was traditionally a shaman's implement. The most common historical use of raven rattles, however, appears to have been as dance rattles carried by high-ranking individuals wearing frontlet headdresses.
