Created by Haida master carver Jay Simeon. The raven rattle is 13” long. It was carved from a single piece of alder which was cut in half and hollowed. It was filled with small copper bb's, then tied back together with sinew. It was painted with traditional Haida colours and inlaid with abalone.
Raven rattles are also known as chief’s rattles. They are carried in dances by men of high rank and are a symbol authority and wealth. It is thought that they were originally used by shaman in doctoring ceremonies. They’ve been found buried with shaman from the past. And the design of them alludes to shamanic power.
The primary figure on this rattle is a raven. The box of light is in it’s mouth On it’s back is the form of a human with a bear’s head reclining. The human / bear is touching tongues with a kingfisher. The rear of the kingfisher’s head forms the raven’s tail. The Chief of the Undersea Kingdom, the bringer of wealth is carved on the raven’s breast and a tiny frog sits at the bottom of his face. On his forehead is a mysterious supernatural being.
When a chief holds and uses a raven rattle he holds it with the raven upside down, and pointing downwards. There’s a belief that this prevents the raven from flying away. Raven rattles represent transformation. When the rattle is used it’s brought to life. It's said that it sounds like a bird coming out of the water. The meanings of the figures carved on it and the relationships between the figures are not clearly understood or are kept secret.
The figures touching tongues represent the transfer knowledge and spiritual power from the kingfisher, the raven and the bear to the human. The frog represents spiritual communication. Raven can change to and become another bird, an animal or a human. The rattle intermediates between humans and the natural and supernatural worlds. Raven rattles are a mystery that can access help from the spiritual realm.
