New York Region/Occupied Canada
Northeast / Cayua

Leather, deer toes, plastic beads
ca. Mid-20th century
Length: 10.75 in: Height: 5.25 in
Idiophones – Rattle Adornments

Cayuga Deer Toe Dance Garters (pair of leg rattles).  They are considered the only acceptable “bells” for dancers in the Ohsweken  Longhouses. The maker is: “She Divides”  Nation: Cayuga  Clan: Turtle, and were made in Occupied Canada.  These Cayuga Deer Toe Dance Garters were purchased from IROQRAFTS /Six Nations Grand River Country North America.  When danced, they are tied to the dancer’s legs just below the knee. 

Today at various other powwows most ‘straight dancers’ wear metal bell garters, while a very few wear the deer toe leg garters.