Rattle Item Number: 1390/1 a-b from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
The top part of the rattle (a) is a carved and painted raven rattle with a human and a frog on its back. The bottom part (part b) is an oval bowl-shaped with longer handle. The bowl area is carved and painted with a bird face with a beak carved in relief. Handles of both parts are made to fit together. The light yellow-brown wood of each part is painted black and red, dark blue and dark green. Inscribed on top "V. Schooner"; the bottom has "V.S."
Cultural Context
ceremonial
Narrative
Sold to MOA by Mary Heathcote (Nuxalk) in 1989. In 2008 Bill Holm studied the rattle and said the painted design is Heiltsuk in style. Melvin Mack and D. Stewart Clellamin wondered if it had been made by Dick Snow (Nuxalk). The "V. Schooner" written on the rattle suggests it was either made by, or previously owned by, Mary's brother, Vernon Schooner? Holm also noted that the rattle probably once held lead shot inside (as the noise-making material), as evidenced by the lead oxide on the inside of the cavity. Parts a-b would originally have been lashed together.
Item History
- Made in British Columbia, Canada
- Owned by V. Schooner
- Owned by Mary Heathcote before December 15, 1989
- Received from Mary Heathcote (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source) on December 15, 1989
What
Who
- Culture
- Nuxalk
- Previous Owner
- V. Schooner and Mary Heathcote
- Received from
- Mary Heathcote (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- British Columbia, Canada
When
- Ownership Date
- before December 15, 1989
- Acquisition Date
- on December 15, 1989
Other
- Condition
- fair
- Current Location
- Case 12
- Accession Number
- 1390/0001 a-b