Squamish, British Columbia
Northwest Coast / Ruth Baker

Wood
ca. 1989
Length: 13 in, Width: 3.5 in, Depth: 2.25 in
Idiophone – Struck – Struck Indirectly – Rattle

Carved signature: Ruth Baker / Squamish, B.C. – ’89’/Salmon

Rattles are considered extremely personal objects and bear specific symbolism and power known only by those who understand their meaning.  As symbols of power, shaman may use rattles to call up power from other worlds.  Rattles are also kept by clan leaders.  This rattle in the shape of a salmon symbolizes a Salmon-type ritual, such as when the first salmon of the new spring is celebrated.  It is somewhat globular, which is a common type made among the Pacific Northwest Coastal people.  Other globular rattles may be made in the form of a raven, bear, etc.  

Ruth Baker was born in Vancouver, BC, in 1966.  She was born into the Squamish Nation and is of Coast Salish descent. Ruth started carving at the age of 11.  She is keeping the Skomish peoples’ culture alive in her art and by teaching carving classes to the youth of the Squamish Nation.