Turtle Shell Rattle

Hornbostel-Sachs

112.12

Family

Percussion

Origin

Northeastern Woodlands, North America

Materials

turtle shellwoodpebblescorn

About

A rattle made from the shell of a box turtle (Terrapene carolina), filled with pebbles or dried corn and attached to a wooden handle. Associated particularly with Haudenosaunee and other Northeastern Woodlands traditions, the turtle is a significant symbol in the creation stories of many nations (North America is known as 'Turtle Island' in many Indigenous traditions). Turtle shell rattles are used in social dances and some healing contexts.