Just off the coast of British Columbia – Haida Gwaii
Northwest Coast – Haida

Wood, pigment, fiber
ca. mid 20th century
Height: 10.5 in
Idiophone – Struck – Indirectly (Rattle)

Rattles like this were most likely used during dance rituals of the Haida. It is spherical in shape and represents the typical carving of Northwest Coast people, exhibiting form-line carving in low relief. This rattle depicts a bear with a short round snout with large nostrils and a protruding tongue from the low relief of the face. There is red, black, and green pigment as embellishment on the face and ears of the rattle. This wooden rattle is constructed in two pieces carved to form a hollow chamber. Small holes carved near the edges of both pieces are threaded with fiber to secure the two halves together.

The bear is one of the dominant figures in Northwest Coast oral history and mythology.  It is considered a close link to humans due to its physical characteristics (standing on hind legs) and the association with strength and fierceness.  They have been depicted as guardians and protectors of human heroes