Rattle

Culture: Tlingit artist
Date: c.1850
Material: Wood, pigment, leather, and sinew
possibly made in: Alaska, United States, North and Central America
possibly made in: British Columbia province, Canada, North and Central America
Classification: Sculpture, wood
Collection: Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas
Current Location: On View, Gallery 326
Dimensions: 6 1/2 x 2 1/2 x 13 in. (16.5 x 6.4 x 33 cm)
Credit Line: Museum Purchase and Friends Endowment Fund
Rights: Public Domain
Object Number: 1:1975

NOTES

Stories frequently inform imagery on Northwest Coast sculpture. In one widespread narrative, darkness covered the world until the mischievous Raven character outwitted the old man who jealously kept the sun, moon, and stars.

This rattle was made for use in feasting and dancing. At the top, Raven grasps a ball in its beak. This represents the moment when Raven stole the light from the man and flew away to illuminate the world.

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