Native American, Southwestern United States, ca. mid to late 20th century CE. A vintage turtle shell rattle mounted on a wooden handle decorated with sinew cords, beading, and horsehair tassels with bone discs, feathers, and tin. This was likely made for sale or powwows within the last 40 years or so, but appears to be entirely traditional materials with some nice age to the wood. The shell is from a freshwater species, likely red eared slider. The shell is pierce around the periphery and the orifices are covered with dried hide and stitched in place to keep the dried beans inside, and this piece is still functional as a rattle. Size: 22.5″ L x 5″ W (57.2 cm x 12.7 cm)
Please note this item falls under the Safeguard Tribal Objects of Patrimony Act and is not eligible for international shipping. Native American, Alaska Native, & Native Hawaiian objects are only eligible to ship within the United States.
Please note that turtle shell sales are not legal in all states or countries, and the buyer assumes responsibility for following local and state laws. Parts from certain animal species may require an additional license upon import into another country due to legislation relating to endangered species and environmental conservation. If you are not sure whether CITES rules apply to your item, please see the CITES Appendices.
Condition: Some chips and losses to shell. Fraying sinew cords and feathers. Stable pressure fissures on the wood handle. Functional as a rattle.
Provenance: private Cripple Creek, Colorado, USA collection
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