Nuu-chah-nulth (Nootka) Salmon Rattle

First half 20th century, possibly older, carved cedar, cedar bark, and string, unsigned, rectangular form trap constructed of cedar rods secured with cotton twine, suspending carved wood fish with painted accents, surmounted by cedar bark straps.

Approximately 20 x 14 x 17 in.

Private Collection, Pittsboro, North Carolina

Purchased in 1990 from Snow Goose Associates in Seattle, Washington

Donald Ellis Gallery describes the history and use of the salmon rattle in the culture of the Nuu-chah-nulth peoples:
"The engaging cage-like object illustrated here is perhaps the rarest form of Northwest Coast rattle. Precisely how these were used and in what ceremonial context is not known, but they may be related to First Salmon-type rituals wherein the first salmon of the new spring run was caught and treated as a ceremonial guest. The bones of this fish were deposited in the stream in a sacred manner in order to insure the return of the salmon.

In this whimsical sculpture, the multitude of fish collide when shaken, perhaps imitating the act of spawning, while creating a musical rattling to delight the ear and eye."

Some dust and surface soiling, else good estate condition.