subject: Native American Rattles Create A Beautiful Sound Of Music [print this page] Native American rattles are very important percussion instruments. It's interesting to learn that there are rules connected with the use of rattles in the Native American culture.
These unusual rattles are an integral and necessary part of Native American music. The rattle, when played along with the hand drum, gives a steady beating which inspires Native tribal music. Mostly, music is dependent on vocal styles and percussion and the rattles act as another important aspect to the whole musical repertoire. Usually, there are gender roles in the usage of rattles. There may be a difference when it comes to the type of musical instruments that either a man or a woman may use. Turtle shell shackles are used primarily by women of the Southeastern Indian tribes during ceremonies.
In both ceremonies and rituals, the Native American rattle is used. One of the most well known types of Native American rattles are those made from turtle shell. Another popular form is the gourd rattle and another is a rattle made of rawhide. The patterns and symbols on the rattle will vary depending on the culture of the particular Indian tribe. Notable tribes like the Zuni and Apache have impeccable handcrafted decorations.
The Native American rattle is often seen decorated with various types of traditional items. Symbolic items such as shells, leather, beads, feathers, fur, rocks, seeds, horns, and bones can be found in Indian decorations. Native American people have a deep respect for the environment and nature.
This can be further expanded by analyzing the representations of the Native American rattle. One should know that Native American rattles are constructed from raw materials that are taken from three kingdoms of our world. Two items that well represent the animal world are feathers and leather. The plant kingdom would be represented by wooden handles and the container itself and the mineral kingdom would be represented by the rocks and the paints used for ornamentation.
The rattle is not only a musical instrument, it helps give clearer meaning to the mind. Rattles will speak to the spirit as well as bring one closer to nature, art, medicine and dance. The Native American rattle, when played is said to be a good meditation device and could clear one's mind from stress and uncertainties of life.
