Cultural Corner

OHSTAWA' – RATTLE

The regular horn rattle is used to complement the water drum. There is a modern evolution of the rattle used today. The first rattles were made from hickory tree bark. This bark was cut in a rectangular pattern with the two ends tapered. Small stone pebbles were inserted into the bark casing of the bark to make a noise. In the early years the buffalo horns were cut into approximately two-inch sections and capped on both ends with inlaid woodcarvings. A handle was carved and tightly inserted into the wood capping. Corn and stone pebbles were put into the horn to cause the horn container to rattle. Later in history and up to this present day the buffalo horn was replaced by the present day cow horn. Rattle makers now prefer pellets or small BB's taken from a shotgun shell to pebbles. Their sound is louder, clearer and more consistent. These horn rattles are used for both social and ceremonial songs.

FLUTE

The flute is a wind instrument that is generally made from the sumac tree. In days of long ago our ancestors used this instrument very often. The flute was also used in some medicine societies. Today, there are not many of our people who use the flute, though we do have some who can play it. It is only played by those individuals who are interested in the instrument. The flute is no longer a part of our collective spiritual or social life. I do know that almost every Indian Nation had flutes and many still do.

GOURD RATTLE

The gourd rattle is made from the gourd plant, which is similar to the squash. This fruit is dried and the dry seeds inside make the rattling noise. A hole may be drilled in the gourd and small stones inserted to make a clear and louder rattle. This type of rattle is used in the sacred medicine societies such as: Shake Pumpkin, Little Water and Dark Dance.