[Native American]
Haudenosaunee Turtle Dance Rattle
Native American dance rattle crafted from a turtle shell and head, with a wood handle and rawhide wrapping around turtle's neck. Attributed to the Haudenosaunee or Iroquois tribes indigenous to northeast North America, and dated to the second quarter of the 20th century. Measures 18 inches in length. In fine condition.Dance rattles are a traditional artifact in Native American culture, used in abundance for ceremonial purposes or dances. In alternate cases, the rattles were utilized for the purpose of summoning spirits in search for guidance or assistance. Dance rattles are traditionally constructed with elements representing the Native American belief system in "Three Nations" – Animal, Mineral and Plant. Rocks were used to create sound, or ground up as paint for decoration. Plants were represented by the body of the instrument (if a gourd is used) or as a wooden handle. Animal components present as feathers, turtle shells, bones, fur.
"Turtles play an important role in many indigenous populations, but have not been explored in great detail by researchers. Many indigenous groups believe that the world was formed upon a turtle’s back. This symbology and belief is imbued into the turtle shell rattles, which are meant to keep rhythm and thereby interjects powerful symbology and spiritual energy into dances and ceremonies." (Sci-News, North American Indigenous Peoples Used Turtle Shells as Symbolic Musical Instruments, 2011.) (19225)
Art History & Historiography