



Rattle, 19th century
Queen Charlotte Islands, British Columbia; Skittagetan or Haida
Wood, pigment
Queen Charlotte Islands, British Columbia; Skittagetan or Haida
Wood, pigment
Overall: 3 x 8 in. (7.6 x 20.3 cm)
The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, 1889 (89.4.616)
This rattle depicts a grinning mountain spirit, potentially that of a bear. The spirit would act as the intercessor for the human figure found between the ears. The rattle represents the relationship between the two and how the owner would depend on the spirit for strength and guidance.







