New Mexico
Pueblo People

Hide, wood, pigment, sinew, seeds or pellets
ca. 20th century
Height: 11.38 in; Diameter: 5.88 in; Depth: 1.13 in
Membranophone – Indirectly Struck Membranophone 

This drum rattle from the Pueblo people is made from the skin of a deer or goat, which is stretched over both sides of a hoop made of wood and covers the wooden handle.  Strong braided cords of sinew are used to secure the skin.

On one side of this drum rattle is painted a Pueblo style thunderbird, a mythical bird that is said to originate from different locations across North America. The thunderbird, a large vulture or eagle-like bird, is believed by many tribes to have the ability to control the weather elements, particularly thunder caused by flapping their large wings, and lightning, shooting from their eyes.  

On the opposite side of this drum rattle is possibly painted a roadrunner (also known as “chaparral cock”).  The roadrunner is most often represented by an “X” symbol, but here an image is painted.  It is a long-legged bird found in parts of the southwestern United States and Mexico.  These birds are known to be fast runners who can outrun humans, to be brave as they kill and eat rattlesnakes, and have a great deal of endurance.  The Pueblo also believe that roadrunners were medicine birds and could protect against evil spirits.

The drum rattle is filled with seeds or small stones and on each side of the double headed rattle, red painted triangles incircle each painted figure.  The thunderbird painted triangles point outward, while the roadrunner triangles point to the center.   Show signs of age and usage.