Skull rattles (Xawikw Yadan)

ca. 1890

The skull-like imagery on these rattles reveals the death-and-rebirth aspect of initiation into the t’seka or Winter Ceremonial whereby acolytes are temporarily imbued with supernatural power then restored by attendants, who shake rattles to tame the wild behavior of the initiate. The subdued initiate is reborn with greater status, and connection to spiritual power.

Alder wood, red cedar bark, paint

Gift of John H. Hauberg

91.1.86.2

Now on view at the Seattle Art Museum

Resources

Published ReferencesThe Spirit Within: Northwest Coast Native Art from the John H. Hauberg Collection, Seattle Art Museum, 1995, pg. 222

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Skull rattles (Xawikw Yadan)

Skull rattles (Xawikw Yadan)

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