Cheyenne Plains Hide Rattle with Horsehair

Early/Mid 20th Century

2.25" H x 5.875" L x 3" W +15" L Horsehair

Hand Made from Hide Leather, a Wooden Handle and Long Horsehair Fringe with the Hide Color in Light Tan

In Very Good Condition 

A traditional Northern Plains Cheyenne ceremonial or shaman’s rattle made primarily from rawhide (often buffalo or deer hide), typically with a wooden handle and horsehair fringe or streamers. antiqueamericanindianart.com These are handheld percussion instruments used in healing ceremonies, spiritual rituals, dances, and other sacred contexts among the Cheyenne and other Plains tribes. The horsehair element reflects the horse’s sacred importance in Plains cultures after its introduction in the 18th century, symbolizing power, speed, and spiritual energy.