Raven Afterlife Rattle | Pacific Northwest Native American Tlingit Shaman | Hand Carved Hand Painted Reproduction | Museum Source$265.00
Raven Afterlife Rattle | Pacific Northwest Native American Tlingit Shaman | Hand Carved Hand Painted Reproduction | Museum Source
🖤 Raven Afterlife Rattle | Tlingit Tribal Style | Pacific Northwest Native American Reproduction | Hand Carved, Hand Painted Wood with Corn Fill
This Raven Afterlife Rattle is a finely detailed hand-carved and hand-painted reproduction inspired by a mid-1880s original crafted by the Tlingit tribe of the Pacific Northwest. The original ceremonial artifact is housed in the Museum of Man in San Diego, California, and is featured in several renowned publications on Indigenous Northwest Coast art.
Crafted from wood and filled with corn kernels to create a natural rhythmic sound, this rattle replicates the traditional aesthetic and function of ceremonial Tlingit shaman rattles used in tribal dances and rituals.
🌿 Symbolism & Cultural Significance:
The raven holds powerful symbolism in Northwest Coast Native traditions—as a trickster, creator, and messenger between the living and the spiritual realm. In this striking composition, the human figure reclines on the raven’s back, his tongue connected to that of a frog, while a secondary bird’s head (formed from the raven’s upturned tail) clasps the figure. This layered imagery represents a complex interplay of spiritual communication and transformation, and the transference of power or knowledge.
In historic ceremonial use, high-ranking tribal dancers—including shamans and nobles—carried raven rattles inverted (belly up) during rituals like the Winter Lao Laxa dance, often accompanied by headdresses, robes, and other regalia. The rattle would be shaken continuously, believed to summon guardian spirits or communicate with the supernatural world.
📚 Historical & Scholarly Notes:
This design is documented in:
In the Spirit of Mother Earth: Nature in Native American Art
Soft Gold: The Fur Trade and Cultural Exchange on the Northwest Coast of America by Thomas Vaughan & Bill Holm
Holm writes:
“The best-known rattle of the Northwest Coast is the raven rattle… with a reclining man whose tongue is held by a frog or bird… most scholars agree this signifies communication or transfer of power—likely originating as a shaman’s tool.”
🛠 Product Details:
Medium: Hand-carved wood, hand-painted, filled with corn
Dimensions: Approx. 10″ long; width varies slightly due to handcrafting
Finish: Slight discoloration and textural variation reflect the aging process typical of antique ceremonial artifacts
Origin: Contemporary museum-style reproduction (not produced by a tribal member).
$265.00
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Frequently Asked Questions
All our pieces are designed by us and hand-carved by master artisans in Bali, Indonesia, using sustainable plantation or reclaimed wood.
Our designs are inspired by Pacific Coast Native art traditions but are not tribal artifacts. They are original, respectful reproductions and interpretations, carved by Balinese artisans.
We do not accept custom commissions.. We do offer wholesale pricing for galleries, museums, and retailers. To unlock the link to our wholesale page, please reach out via email – rona@images76.com.
Most orders are shipped within 3–5 business days. Domestic shipping within the U.S. typically takes 5–10 days, while international shipping times may vary.
Absolutely. We use only plantation-grown or reclaimed wood, ensuring that our carvings are eco-conscious and forest-friendly.
Keep your piece out of direct sunlight and away from moisture. A light dusting or occasional wood-safe polish will help preserve its beauty.
Keep your piece out of direct sunlight and away from moisture. A light dusting or occasional wood-safe polish will help preserve its beauty. If you’ve chosen a mask with horse hair or goat hair, and the hair has compressed in shipping, simply comb the hair. in extreme cases, use hairspray and a comb to restore the shape of the hair.