Native American Church Rattle
- Artist Culture
- Chaticks si Chaticks (Pawnee) artist
- Date
- c.1950s
- made in
- United States, North and Central America
- Classification
- Metalwork, musical instruments
- Current Location
- Not on view
- Dimensions
- with fringe: 31 in. (78.7 cm)
- Credit Line
- Gift of Mary Ann Stringham
- Rights
- Contact Us
- Object Number
- 197:1993
NOTES
Otter fur and circular beadwork imbue this Chaticks si Chaticks (Pawnee) rattle with great meaning and power. The rattle is a ritual instrument of the Native American Church, a contemporary religious faith that blends Native beliefs with Christianity. It reflects distinctive local indigenous traditions in its zigzag beadwork which represents lightning, and in the otter fur signifying healing and strength. Constructed from a hollow gourd, the rattle is filled with beads or stones to shake while singing and dancing.