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Northern Plains Indian Polychrome Parfleche Rattle

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:50.00 USD Estimated At:200.00 - 400.00 USD
Northern Plains Indian Polychrome Parfleche Rattle
For your consideration is this Parfleche Polychrome Dancing Rattle attributed to the Northern Plains Indians. Wrapped with sinew, a carved cream-colour bone "feather" is attached at the sinew wrap. The rattle wood shaft has a black arrow painted between two painted turquoise symbols of a mountain range. The painted black parfleche head of the rattle features a painted grey star with a yellow border. The base of the shaft has a sinew finger loop for hanging the rattle on a belt. In Native culture, rattles signify independence. They carry raw, powerful elemental energy and embody water, fire, earth, and air. Their construction celebrates the three kingdoms, or nations, of animals, minerals, and plants. Animals are represented by the rattle's container, or the feathers used to decorate it. Rawhide rattles were most common, and each tribe had specific rattles that they would create. Each tribe would use different beads, colors, and designs, which served as an indicator of which tribe created the rattle. This rattle is in good overall condition, a rich patina noted throughout. Measures 6.5"L