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Key Ideas
Haida men of the Northwest Coast were accomplished carvers.

The raven is an important figure in Northwest Coast stories, associated with stories of creation.

Northwest Coast Southwest Mississippi Valley Northeast Woodlands Plains

 
Introduction --
Carving
Ravens
Rattle Label: Haida, Northwest Coast region (United States), Rattle, 19th-20th century Cedarwood, leather, abalone and haletosis shell, The Christina N. and Swan J. Turnblad Memorial Fund 75.55
Close-up of human
Roll over the image to see the figure of a human

This rattle is shaped like a raven. A raven is identified in Northwest Coast art by its long, straight protruding beak. This rattle may have been used to emphasize important points in ceremonies. On the raven's back is a human figure, his tongue is joined to the beak of another bird, symbolizing communication between them and the close relationship between humans and animals.

Haida and Tlingit tribal web site: http://www.tlingit-haida.org/

Rattle Makah Basket Transformation Mask Native American History and Culture

 

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