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Rattle

Pomo Indian - Shaman's Rattle

California
California

Clam shells and vine
ca. late 19th century

Height: 13 inches, average width of giant clam shell is 6 inches (15.3 cm)

A very rare type of Pomo Indian shaman's rattle, made of six giant clam shells perforated near the base and held together by a vine twisted into a circle and bound together at the ends with fishing twine. Because of their relative fragility very few of this type rattle used by shamans in doctoring the sick and calling the spirits have survived.

 

Owner:
Catalog#: HWMC