North and South Dakota, Near Black Hills
Great Plains / Lakota Sioux

Hide, metal, hair, beads
ca. Mid – Late 20th century
Length: 11 in
Idiophone – Struck – Indirectly (Rattle)

Possibly a Hunkpapa Lakota Sioux Society Rattle, known as Cante Tinza (Strong Heart or Brave Heart) Warrior Society.  It is made from rawhide, sewn with sinew, while metal tacks are used for further attachment of materials and adornment to the handle.  The rawhide donut hole has beads strung on a strip of leather attached at the top.  The handle of the rattle is covered with leather that has been painted red and at the bottom is attached a loop with possibly buffalo hide and hair.  

According to South Dakota State University, “Today, the Strong Heart society is sworn to codes of moral character including self-control, fearlessness, and a duty to care for the poor.  Their purpose is to be physically, emotionally, and spiritually able to defend the tribe whenever needed.  Sitting Bull (c. 1831 – 1890), a Hunkpapa Lakota, was a famous leader of the Strong Heart Warrior Society.

Resource: https://www.sdstate.edu/south-dakota-art-museum/2004-50-works-50-years