rattle

Chief's rattle in the shape of a bird made from wood, with an ivory head. The body of the rattle is formed from two pieces of wood, one forming the body of the bird and the other the plug that holds in the rattling material. The plug is held in place by sinew ties and is painted red, as it the entire under side of the bird. The upper side is painted in black, red and green formline designs except the handle which is bare. On the back of the bird are carved more formline designs and a green human face with bulging eyes. In places the paint has worn away and there are signs of historic activity by burrowing insects, which has casued a split to appear on the left side of the bird's body.