- Hornbostel-Sachs
- 112.12
- Family
- Percussion
- Origin
- Widespread across North America
- Materials
- gourdrawhidewoodpebbles
About
One of the most widespread instruments across Indigenous North America, the gourd rattle is made from a dried gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) or rawhide container filled with pebbles, seeds, or small stones. The handle is a carved wooden stick. Rattles are essential ceremonial tools across many traditions — they accompany song and dance, mark rhythm, and are believed in many traditions to attract benevolent spirits and dispel malevolent ones. Specific rattles belong to specific ceremonies and are not interchangeable.