Native American Rattle

Potawatomi rattle made of  deer hide, beads, cotton, and pumpkin seeds, from the 1890s, came in with tears in a few places, as well as loose stitching. Besides mending the tears and redoing the stitching, we reconditioned the leather; and to display the rattle, made a custom stand.

The stand is made from mahogany with the display panel wrapped in suede. A custom decorative band was fitted along the arm, to compliment the style and craftsmanship of the rattle, with the woodwork. The beads to make the band were acquired at a Potawatomi pow-wow, and obtained in the authentic custom, by trading for them. When tribal elders were told of the purpose for the beads, they gave their consent and blessing.

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