szalmuxcs (Rattle)
About this object
History of use
Anthropologist Wayne Suttles notes that ritualists rattles are used for cleansing. They are currently used by the Coast Salish at Potlatches, when families are doing "work" such as naming or honouring the dead. In the past, they had a different use and were primarily associated with winter dancing. He notes that horn rattles were previously used to: "induce possession in a person expected to become a 'new dancer' (1987:107)."
Narrative
This rattle was originally identified as being made of horn, but the material is actually wood.
Cultural context
ceremonial; music; cleansing; purification
Materials
Date Acquired
30 Jul 1962
How Acquired
Sold
Measurements
Overall: 27.9 cm
Object Number
A8044