Raven rattle

North America | Canada

Raven rattle

Canada

Tlingit or Haida
British Columbia, Northwest Coast / Alaska

19th century
Carved wood and pigments
Length: 13 ¼ in. – 34 cm

Provenance
Bonham’s San Francisco, 8 December 2014, lot 2099
Collection Maureen Zarember, Tambaran Gallery, New York, acquired at the above sale

Northwest Coast Raven Rattle / Galerie Flak Price: on request
Raven rattles such as the present example are sheer icons of ancient Native American art. In Northwest Coast myths, a Raven spirit originally taught shamans the secrets of their crafts. On this rattle, the human figure reclining on the back of the raven represents a shaman in trance, forming alliance with animal helping spirits.
According to Allen Wardwell ("Tangible Visions", 1996 p. 239), the rattle was a highly important piece of shamanic equipment along the entire Northwest Coast. Its sound provided rhythm for songs, dances and chants, and attracted spirits to the séances. Wherever it was used, a supernatural presence was thought to be in attendance.
Raven rattles were used by wealthy families, chiefs and shamans. The use of a « chief’s rattle » proclaimed the shaman’s high social rank to his public.
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