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Disc Rattle

19th century
Not on view
The primary role of instruments among North America's First Nations people is to reinforce rhythmic articulation for song and dance. Percussive instruments made from available materials are the most prevalent, followed by a few wind and stringed instruments. Wind instruments include flutes for courting, spiritual communication, hunting, and grassland dancing.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Disc Rattle
  • Date: 19th century
  • Geography: United States
  • Culture: Native American (Siouan, Dakota probably)
  • Medium: Wood, skin (deer?), pebble, polychome, cord
  • Dimensions: L. 14 × Diam. 7 in. (35.6 × 17.8 cm)
  • Classification: Idiophone-Shaken-rattle
  • Credit Line: The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, 1889
  • Object Number: 89.4.639
  • Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments

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Rattle, Wood, hide, pellets, Native American (Southern Plains)
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Disc Rattle, Wood, hide, pebble, polychrome, Native American (Apache or Siouan?)
Disc Rattle
Native American (Apache or Siouan?)
19th century
Rattle, Hide, wood, pebbles(?), cord, tin, buckskin, polychrome, Native American (Apache, probably)
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19th century
Chegah-Skah-Hdah (dance wand), Wood, metal, leather, Native American (Sioux)
Chegah-Skah-Hdah (dance wand)
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Rattle, Wood, Taino
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