Southern Alaska and northern British Columbia
Northwest Coast / Tlingit

Moose Antler
ca. 1900s CE
Length: 9.00 in; Width: 5.375 in; Depth: 2.5 in 
Idiophone – Struck – Indirectly Struck – Rattles

Antlers played a vital role in the lives of Native Americans, serving a wide range of purposes from practical and secular to ritual and ceremonial. They were used to create a variety of tools, weapons, household items, parts of musical instruments, clothing, and adornments. Antlers were also used in rituals and ceremonies, toys and games, medicine, trade, art and decoration, food, and building materials.

This rare Tlingit antler rattle is carved in the shape of a hand with slightly bent fingers and lines showing the joints. Carved on the palm of the hand appears to be the symbol of the Tlingit bear with the ears to the farther sides.  On the back of the hand are oval shapes, which I was told is the signature of the maker, who is unknown.  When shaken, you can hear the rattling of dried particles or small stones inside.

Animals and supernatural beings are featured in Northwest Coast Indigenous artwork symbolizing and representing their different values, concepts, and personality traits.  Through storytelling, myths and legends are passed down through generations highlighting the close relationship that indigenous people have with the natural and spirit world.

Resource: https://nativetribe.info/native-ingenuity-uncovering-the-astounding-uses-of-antlers/