Mussel Rattles By Ed McDougall

Music is an integral part of Northwest Coast society and is an indispensable aspect of most ritual and ceremonies. Rattles, along with various types of drums, are the prevalent percussion instruments utilized within these events. Northwest Coast rattles display tremendous variation in terms of both size and form, mussel shell rattles represent one such form.

Mussels are common along the Northwest Coast and were a staple food. They were utilized for a variety of functions including blades, for such things as adzes, and ornamentations on masks.

This rattle, by Ed McDougall, is carved from cedar and is decorated with real horse hair and a pounded copper plate. Ed has signed the stand.

Dimensions

Height: 17 Inches
Width : 10 Inches
Depth: 1 3/4 Inches