Raven Rattle Item Number: 87.88.74 from the Portland Art Museum
Description
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.
Collection History Provenance
The Elizabeth Cole Butler Collection.
Item History
- Made by Tlingit artist in Northwest Coast, Canada ? or Northwest Coast, USA ? during 1885
What
Who
- Culture
- Tlingit
- Creator
- Tlingit artist
Where
- Holding Institution
- Portland Art Museum
- Made in
- Northwest Coast, Canada ? or Northwest Coast, USA ?
When
- Creation Date
- during 1885
Other
- Categories
- Northwest Coast; Ceremonial and Ritual Objects