Rattles have a special place in the shamanic teachings of the many cultures. Used for song, prayer, healing and many other shamanic practice, they come in a great variety of forms. Nicholas produces both gourd and rawhide rattles made from deer skin.
GOURD RATTLES
Gourd Rattles are used in Native American Church peyote meetings, prayer and healing circles. The 'bell' gourds used in these rattles are from America, and are the traditional gourd used in these type of rattles. Lavish amounts of beadwork in strikingly beautiful peyote stitch is worked on the rattles both above and below the gourd.
At the top of the rattle is a horsehair tuft, which is removable, making the bell gourd removable so you can change the filling of the rattle. At the base of the beaded handle hang a number of plied buckskin tassels. These rattles are very special creations which require great craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Gourd Rattle £195.
RAWHIDE RATTLES
Rattles start at a basic level (shown above), which are finished with a wooden stick wrapped with soft buckskin, and with glass beads hanging from the ends of the buckskin tassels. The heads of these rattles can be supplied painted with a single overall colour or with a simple design, for a small additional cost.
These rattles are made from deer rawhide. They have a more 'earthy' design than the gourds peyote rattles.
Rawhide Rattle £35.50.
DECORATED RAWHIDE RATTLES
Rattles with more decoration can also be commissioned at additional cost. The may have a beaded handle, or other beadwork, and perhaps tassels hung with exquisite antique trade beads.
The heads of these rattle can be painted with a medicine design to suit your medicine
No two rattles are ever the same, each one is made to mirror the medicine of its owner. They can also have special bags made for them, such as the rattle in the centre
To order one of these bespoke rattles please contact Nicholas with an idea of your budget and the design you require.
Prices between £35.50 to £180.
