Northeast
Northeast / Iroquois

Elm bark, corn cob & kernels, twine
ca. Mid 20th century
Length: 17 in; Width at top: 5.75 in
Idiophones – Indirectly Struck – Rattle

An Iroquois Elm Bark Rattle called ‘Pezagholiganisisiwan,’ a word from the Abenaki language of the Algonquin family of Native American Languages. The Native American used rattles to produce rhythm for songs and dances.  They were made from the animal and plant life.  This Iroquois rattle is made from the Elm (Ulmus americana) bark that has been folded in half with one side rolled over the other, then through the open end, dried corn kernels are inserted, followed by a corn cob with no kernels to close the opening.  A string of twine is then wrapped around the end, so that it is sealed.  When played, the musician may hit the rattle against the palm of their hand or shake it.  The Elm Bark Rattles were used before contact with Europeans and are still use today.

References:  https://native-drums.ca/en/about-drumming/rattles/; http://www.nativelynx.qc.ca/en/music/musical-instruments/