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Located on the beautiful Six Nations of the Grand River. Near Brantford, ON. 3080 4th Line, RR#1 Ohsweken, ON www.wampumshop.com

Rattles & Drums
rattlecrop.jpg Horn Rattle, large
$30.00
The horn rattle is used as a companion to the water drum. The first Iroquois rattles were made from bark of a hickory tree. The bark was cut in a rectangular pattern with the two ends tapered. Small stone pebbles were inserted into the casing of the bark to make a noise. In the early years buffalo horns were cut into approximately two inch sections and capped on both ends with inlaid wood carvings. A handle was carved and tightly inserted into the wood cappings. Dried Corn, stone pebbles, or cherry pits were put into the horn to make the rattling sound. Later in history and up to this present day, the buffalo horn was replaced by the present day cow horn. Rattle makers now prefer pellets or small BB's. The sound is louder, clearer and more consistent. Horn rattles are used for both social and ceremonial songs.
Horn Rattle, Baby Size
$20.00
The same as the larger size rattles in smaller size. Perfect for little hands and nothing toxic. Rubbed in all natural vegetable oil for a nice shine.
Horn Rattle, medium
$25.00
Medium sized rattle
Horn Rattle, extra large
$35.00
Extra Large size horn rattle
waterdrumcrop1.jpg Water Drum
$175.00
The water drum sounds different from any other kind of drum. It is used for both ceremonial and social songs and is usually accompanied by the Horn Rattle. The base has a plug and is partially filled with water. More water can be added when necessary. Buckskin is stretched over the top. The Iroquois commonly use Hickory, cedar, hard maple or bass wood to make the Water Drum.
turtratfrcr1.jpg Snapping Turtle Rattle
$350.00
The Snapping Turtle has been used by the Haudenosaunee for centuries. It is used for ceremonial songs only, not for social songs. It is also used by the False Face (Haduwi) society for healing rituals. The False Face Society is just one of the many curing societies found among the Iroquois. Members of the society put on the false faces to visit the lodge of a sick person who has declared themself in need of a cure. With their masks on, and shaking rattles made of the shell of snapping turtles the members who are to effect the cure, creep towards the sick persons home. They scrape their rattles against the door, and enter the house, continuing to shake the rattles. Then ashes and tobacco are used in a ritual meant to drive away the evil spirits and heal the sick person. Anyone who is cured becomes a member of the society, or a man or a woman may join if he or she has a dream about a False Face indicating that it is necessary to become a member .