Description:

Pacific Northwest, Native American (USA and Canada), Haida peoples, ca. early 20th century CE. A hand-carved and hand-painted wooden rattle in the form of a raven. Below the wings, the body has been cut in half, hollowed, and filled with pebbles. Wooden dowels were used to seal the rattle. The rattle may be held by the projecting tail which takes on a tubular form that is unpainted. Otherwise, most of the bird's body is finely painted and incised. Notice the eye motifs on the pointed wings as well as the body, the pronounced black beak with red pigment highlighting its outlined mouth, and the characteristically long ovoid eyes that are painted black and surrounded by turquoise blue. A wonderful example! Size: 14.45" L x 5" W x 5.75" H (36.7 cm x 12.7 cm x 14.6 cm); 8.75" H (22.2 cm) on included custom stand.

The ceremonial costume of chiefs in Northwest Coast indigenous cultures included a raven rattle as a major component. They are designed to be held with the beak pointing down when used in dance, and are considered powerful items, capable of channeling a shaman's spirit guide.

See other examples of raven rattles at the RISD Museum (44.359) and the Metropolitan Museum of Art (89.4.611).

Provenance: private Newport Beach, California Collection

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#155317

  • Condition: Very light wear on surface commensurate with age including a few chips and scratches. Overall in very fine condition with nice patina and well preserved pigment.

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April 23, 2020 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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