2-738-983 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Rattle, early 1900s. Rattles that combine ravens, humans, and frogs are among the best-known but least-understood of Northwest Coast object types. They clearly have mythic import-the raven clenches in its bill the legendary box from which it released sunlight- and they may have come into being as shamans implements. But historically they were used during secular parts of winter dances by chiefs wearing Chilkat dance robes, an example of which is periodically on display.