Buffalo hide and potentially scrotum. Hand sewn with hide on the stick.light fur on the handle. Hand sewn on the bowl of the rattle. Hair attached to the base, measures 12 inches. Genuine.
Shakers imitate rain and tears. Tears of sadness
are the parts of the soul that have been lost. Tears of joy are when the four
realms of human existence unify (mind, body, emotions, spirit). Rattles are used
for: soul retrieval; cleansing and purifying; visionary work. The rattle is
asked through its sound for spiritual guidance. Rattles are used to softly and
gently to call ancestral spirits in case they are traveling and need time to
return. The rattle calls softly to those in their long sleep and summons them
respectfully for their assistance. The drum is not normally used to call The
Ancestors lest they be awakened in a sudden, loud manner - they really hate
that.
There are at least two different types of rattles. Most rattles were used in Medicine or spiritual ceremonies. These rattles were mostly made up of all natural materials with the main end consisting of a buffalo scrotum filled with beans or corn. Metal was not allowed to be used because it was believed this would cancel any special gifts or medicine to be used in the lodge or in ceremony. Because these rattles are considered sacred spiritual objects, many artists luse rawhide in place of buffalo scrotum for the end piece because it can be shaped to resemble the tradition materials used.
Dance rattles were created and used differently. These rattles were meant to be used at pow-wows and for other dances. The components and shapes of these rattles were quite different, often using other animal parts as well as man made items like cones and metal to create a louder sound. Dance rattles were often shaped like Coup sticks with something sharp or hard at the end such as bone.
In Lakota tradition, Turtle Rattles were made with the entire turtle at the end. The Turtle Rattles Gary makes uses shells only, again to protect the sacred meaning behind those used long ago.
**The information contained in the above article is based solely on the life and experiences of Gary Buckman, Lakota Oglala. We do not claim this information to be representative of the Lakota tribe or its members.
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