Native American Rattle
Native Americans use many instruments in their ceremonies. One of the oldest is the rattle. Although not all nations have a drumming tradition, nearly all have a tradition of using rattles.
The rattles could be simple or complex, plain or fancy. Many were made of gourds or leather. Some were made from turtle shells and other more exotic materials.
Rattles accompany dancing and can be hand held or made to fit on wrists or ankles.
Rattles are the soft, rhythmic sound that takes us out of our everyday world and into the realm of wind and cloud. Rattles connect us with our spirit animals and bring us closer to the soul of the world.
The can be played alone, or synchronized with drums and song. The sound of the rattle is an experience not to be missed. The only warning is that it can be addicting.