Native American Ceremonial Turtle Shell Beaded Rattle.

This Ceremonial Turtle Shell Medicine Man Rattle is a great hand-made artifact by Navajo Indian artist Curtis Bitsui. The turtle is the Native American Indian symbol for long life. The head of this rattle was made from a genuine turtle shell. Native American artists often use animal parts in their work in order to bring honor to their animal spirits. The genuine buckskin leather gives the turtle shell added natural character. The wood handle has been wrapped in genuine buckskin leather with some impressive hand-made seed bead work in the center. Genuine fur, feathers and trade beads give this rattle extra detail. A braided leather handle is attached through the bottom end of the rattle. The length of this artifact is 16-1/2" to 19". As with all hand-made items some slight variations will occur. You'll be getting one from this group of high quality rattles.

The objects man makes are called artifacts, and every artifact, whether it is beautiful or ugly, crude or refined, utilitarian or ceremonial, is a reflection and product of man's skills, his techniques, his arts and his culture. Artifacts reflect the ideas, the concepts and the knowledge acquired or learned as a member of a tribe. Members of a particular tribe use certain techniques, and create a particular style because that is their tradition.

We understand the true value and nature of hand crafted Indian art. And, we recognize it's important to know that the artist is truly a member of a Native American tribe. So, to ensure you that this is the real deal, a Certificate of Authenticity has been included with this item.

CERTIFIED AUTHENTIC