South Dakota
Great Plains / Lakota Sioux

Hide, horse hair, pigment, glass beads
ca. Early 20th century
Length: 10 in
Membranophone – Struck – Indirectly (Rattle)

A Lakota Sioux ‘hide’ rattle with a string of small blue glass beads, multicolored painting of faint geometric and floral designs on the hide, and a horse tail drop. The hide is possibly elk and is sewn together by deer tendons.   Native Americans take pride in the belief they were created to serve as caretakers of Mother Earth and that all of nature has a spirit, which they viewed as a benevolent friend and ally.  This brotherhood is reflected in their respect and the reverence they give to animals, which are considered guardian spirits. Rattles are used for both ritual and secular ceremonies and celebrations  paying homage to the animal world.  Inside the rattle are presumably small quartz stones.