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Iconographic Meaning

Raven is identified by a long straight beak with a blunt or downward turning tip. In Coast Salish belief the raven is associated with skill at hunting and is known to confer dancing power.

History Of Use

Rattles were used by the Coast Salish at ceremonial and social events, specifically rites of passage such as naming ceremonies. Homer Barnett notes that at such occasions: "during the singing of hereditary songs, a rattle was used. It seems to have been the Kwakiutl type; the wool fringed variety did not belong here [amongst the Pentlatch and Comox] (1955:139)."

Narrative

A label on the bottom of this rattle identifies it as part of the Beasley Collection April 17, 1923, and formally of the Pike Collection. Documentation indicates that it was originally collected by Commander J.W. Pike (Royal Navy) between 1862-1864. He was in charge of a paddle sloop called the Devastation. Two clubs from the same voyage are now in the collections of the British Museum. Pike's travels are mentioned in the book "British Columbia Place Names." This rattle has been identified as Coast Salish, specifically "Comox." Stylistically, it is very similar to those used by the Kwakwaka'wakw. Kennedy and Bouchard note that the Lekwiltok had already settled into the traditional territories of the Island Comox during the time period in which this rattle was collected (mid 1800s). This close spatial relationship between these two First Nations has resulted in many items of Kwakwaka'wakw manufacture and/or style being used within the northern Coast Salish communities and vice versa. Marriages between these two First Nations are common. Homer Barnett reports that the Pentlatch and the Comox used rattles of the Kwakwaka'wakw type (1955:139).

Cultural Context

ceremonial

Description

Rattle depicting a horizontal raven with a straight beak, which rests upon the bird's chest. The wings are at the sides and there are five splayed protruding tail feathers at the bottom. The bird figure is painted blue with red accents delineating the beak and feathers. A long unpainted handle extends from the base of body. There is a horizontal cut through the body and the handle. The two pieces have been nailed together with one nail, which is located in the handle at base of the raven's body. The nail protrudes through the underside of the handle. The hollow body likely contains pebbles, which create noise when shaken.