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Shaman's rattle

Tsimshian, Native American

ca. 1750–80

Not on view

On the front of this shaman’s rattle is an emaciated human face, either a spirit being or the shaman himself. The skull is prominent beneath tightly drawn skin, the figure hovering between life and death. On the back, intricate incised formline imagery portrays one or more spirit helpers. A healer would have used the object to invoke supernatural assistance, and he may have commissioned an experienced artist to carve it. Tiny pebbles within give the instrument its percussive sound.

Shaman's rattle, Birch, bone, hair, pigment, and metal pins, Tsimshian, Native American — This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Shaman's rattle, Birch, bone, hair, pigment, and metal pins, Tsimshian, Native American

Shaman's rattle, Birch, bone, hair, pigment, and metal pins, Tsimshian, Native American

Shaman's rattle, Birch, bone, hair, pigment, and metal pins, Tsimshian, Native American

Shaman's rattle, Birch, bone, hair, pigment, and metal pins, Tsimshian, Native American

Shaman's rattle, Birch, bone, hair, pigment, and metal pins, Tsimshian, Native American

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Title: Shaman's rattle

Date: ca. 1750–80

Geography: Made in British Columbia, Canada

Culture: Tsimshian, Native American

Medium: Birch, bone, hair, pigment, and metal pins

Dimensions: 14 × 9 × 4 1/2 in. (35.6 × 22.9 × 11.4 cm)

Credit Line: Loan from the Charles and Valerie Diker Collection

The Met

The American Wing at The Met

The American Wing's ever-evolving collection comprises some 20,000 works by African American, Euro American, Native American, and Latin American artists, ranging from the colonial to early-modern period.