Thitikorn Chansasitorn
tchansasitorn@zagmail.gonzaga.edu
"Raven Rattle"
Raven rattle, Tsimshian artist, 19th century, cedar, pebbles, polychrome, from Skidegate, British Columbia, Canada, 31 × 10.3 × 10.5 cm (The Metropolitan Museum of Art)
In Northwest Coast cultures, a rattle is very common among shamanic practices. This Tsimshian raven rattle particularly is held with its beak pointing down to accompany ritual songs that sanctify gatherings. The different elements on the rattle appear to be transforming into each other, symbolizing transmission of power–raven to humankind and kingfisher to the prone figure. The figure has a face of a wolf, perhaps another owner. Rattles are deeply personal and kept by the chief. These rattles are often further adorned with feathers, beads along the seam and at the handle base.