Bird rattle

Description

This rattle depicts a long-bearded bird, possibly an oyster-catcher or kingfisher, with a further bird mask on its breast and a human face carved on the tail. It is constructed of two hollowed parts, pinned at the handle and tied at the sides, the bird's body forming a globular cavity for the small pebble rattles. Rattles were used throughout the Northwest Coast to provide rhythmical accompaniment to speeches, songs and dances performed on public occasions. They were also used during shamanic rituals, when their sound was associated with the presence of spirits. The original function of this rattle is not known, nor its precise tribal attribution. It is painted black, red and pale turquoise, these colours now faded.