Northeast
Northeast – Great Lakes Region

Deer hooves, antler, and hide, glass beads 
Mid 20th century
Length: 16 in 
Idiophones – Struck Idiophones – Rattles

These deer antler type rattles, strung with deer hooves or dewclaws were once fairly widespread among the Ojibwe and Potawatomi peoples of the North American Great Lakes region in the 19^th century.  They were possibly used in rites relating to the Midewiwin (Grand Medicine Society) and perhaps other indigenous ceremonies.  Such ritual instruments are the precursor of a variety of other types of rattles used in a similar ceremonial context, including natural gourd and bent birchbark vessel rattles, which have persisted in more recent times.

Hooves and dewclaws were carefully prepared for use by soaking them in heated water to soften the hooves, then trimmed with a knife and pierced with a hole at the apex for threading on leather thongs.  They were then attached in bunches to the rattle handle. Such rattles were used by men in dances preceding and after battles.

Among the indigenous people, rattles are an instrument of independence, representing three kingdoms or nations.  These kingdoms include the animal kingdom, the mineral kingdom, and the plant kingdom. This rattle pays homage to the life forces of the animal world.