Rattle Item Number: A8043 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Flat, circular rattle made of copper. The rattle has long fringes of wool threaded around its sides and handle. The copper has been hammered and beaten into shape. Holes have been drilled along the edges to insert the wool fringe.
History Of Use
Anthropologist Wayne Suttles notes that ritualists rattles are used for cleansing. They are currently used by the Coast Salish at Potlatches, when families are doing "work" such as naming or honouring the dead. In the past, they had a different use and were primarily associated with winter dancing. He notes that horn rattles were previously used to: "induce possession in a person expected to become a 'new dancer' (1987:107)."
Cultural Context
ceremonial; cleansing; purification
Item History
- Made in Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
- Collected in Duncan, British Columbia, Canada between 1950 and 1962
- Owned by Chief Charlie Solwheymault
- Owned by Edith Bevan Cross before July 30, 1962
- Received from Edith Bevan Cross (Seller) and H. R. MacMillan (Funding source) on July 30, 1962
What
- Name
- Rattle
- Identification Number
- A8043
- Type of Item
- rattle
- Material
- wool fibre and copper metal
- Manufacturing Technique
- hammered, drilled, beaten and knitted
- Overall
- height 13.0 in
Who
- Culture
- Coast Salish: Quwutsun'
- Previous Owner
- Chief Charlie Solwheymault and Edith Bevan Cross
- Received from
- Edith Bevan Cross (Seller) and H. R. MacMillan (Funding source)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
- Collected in
- Duncan, British Columbia, Canada
When
- Collection Date
- between 1950 and 1962
- Ownership Date
- before July 30, 1962
- Acquisition Date
- on July 30, 1962
Other
- Item Classes
- metalwork
- Accession Number
- 0081/0009