Rattle

Unknown

19th century · Wood, paint, sinew, pebbles · Musical Instruments

The form of this rattle is that of a bird (raven) bearing a totemic emblem on its breast. On the bird's back are the figures of a shaman and a kingfisher, the mythological source of the shaman's supernatural powers. The figures are united by one tongue, which forms the bridge through which the magic force flows.

Artist

Unknown

Date

19th century

Medium

Wood, paint, sinew, pebbles

Culture

Native American (Tsimshian)

Department

Musical Instruments

Credit line

The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, 1889