Region of Seminole, Florida
Southeast / Seminole

Eastern box turtle shells, wood
ca. early 20th century
Length: 14 in
Idiophone – Struck – Indirectly (Rattle)

Turtles not only provided food for the Seminole people, but also served as a symbolic ‘Instrument of Independence.’  From prehistoric times to today, turtle shells as percussion instruments can be found throughout the southeastern United States, providing insight into human-environment and -animal relationships. When made into a rattle, the sounding pulse for chanting or dancing was encoded with meaning, injecting powerful symbology and spiritual energy.

This ceremonial Seminole rattle has two eastern box turtle shells joined to one wrapped wooden handle.