Rattles & Drums

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Horn Rattle, large
$45.00
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.