New York
Northeast / Oneida 

Cow horn, wood, metal
ca. early 20th century
Length 8.25 in
Idiophones – Struck – Indirectly Struck – Rattles

This Oneida cow horn rattle is personalized with carved initials “A.F.” on the horn.  On the wooden handle is carved ‘ONEIDA’.  Three small metal nails are inserted into the cow horn on one side. The top and bottom of the cow horn also show metal nails attached to the wooden handle and the circular wooden top.  The top of the rattle is a solid piece of wood, and there is no extension of the handle sticking out as found in Iroquois cow horn rattles.  Rattles were used to accompany singing and dancing.

The Oneida were a matrilineal society, known for engaging in trade with their neighbors, exchanging corn and woodcrafts for furs and quahog shells.