Northwest Coast Polychromed Wood Ceremonial Dance Rattle

Typical overall wear for its age but very good condition. Some erosion to the lower section of the end of the handle. Gorgeous patina.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Thomas Vaughan and Bill Holm, Soft Gold: The Fur Trade and Cultural Exchange on the Northwest Coast of America, Oregon Historical Society, 1982, p. 124: "The best known rattle of the Northwest Coast is the "raven rattle." It is carved in the shape of that bird, with upraised tail forming another bird's head and with a reclining man on the back. Usually the man's tongue is protruding and held by the beak of the "tail-bird," or by a frog, which either sits on the man's chest or is itself bitten by the tail-bird. In this very old raven rattle the tail-bird was broken off long ago and the break roughly reshaped, so that there is no way to know how it related to the man's tongue. The meaning of this peculiar arrangement has been debated over the years, and we are no closer now to understanding it. Recorded Indian traditions of the origin of the rattles do not shed light on it. Most scholars agree that the tongue held by frog or bird probably signifies a communication or transfer of power. This leads to the assumption that the raven rattle originated as a shaman's implement. In historic times, however, it has been a dancing rattle, used by a noble person performing with the frontlet headdress (see Nos. 51 and 53)."