Arizona
Yavapai People

Gourd, wood, hide
Mid 20th century
Length: 10 in
Idiophones – Indirectly Struck – Rattle

A large gourd rattle representing the plant kingdom and possibly from the Yavapai people in Arizona. Historically, the Yavapai – literally “people of the sun,” were a nomadic hunters and gatherers who today live alongside the Apache tribe also known as part of the Yuman-speaking American native groups.  The Yavapai today live on three reservations in Arizona, sharing one with the Apache.

The medicine people called ‘basemachas,’ would counter evil spirits that caused disease and illness by singing, dancing, using herbs, and using gourd rattles.

Resource: http://nativeamericannetroots.net/diary/1172