South Dakota
Great Plains / Lakota Sioux

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

A Lakota Sioux ‘hide’ rattle with  multicolored painting of faint designs on the hide, and a horse tail drop. The dark hide is possibly 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.