Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History



  • Raven Rattle, 19th century
    British Columbia; Tsimshian
    Wood, pigment

    The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, 1889 (89.4.2161)

    The form of this rattle is that of a bird (raven) bearing a totemic emblem on its breast. On the bird's back are the figures of a shaman and a kingfisher, the mythological source of the shaman's supernatural powers. The figures are united by one tongue, which forms the bridge through which the magic force flows.

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    On view: Gallery 681
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  • Raven Rattle, 19th century
    British Columbia; Tsimshian
    Wood, pigment

    The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, 1889 (89.4.2161)


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