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Rattle

Iroquois Elm Bark Rattle

Northeastern Region
Northeast

Elm bark, corn and corn cob
ca. Mid 20th century


This Elm bark rattle of the Iroquoian is made of a single piece of bark folded over so that one-half fits into the other to seal it. Kernels of corn were put inside and a shucked corn cob serves as a plug. Twin is wrapped around the end of the bark to secure the seal. The Iroquoian used these tree bark rattles, along with the water drum, to accompany the bear dance (nyagwekya).

 

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Catalog#: HWMC