Making Rattles

I began making rattles very naturally in response to learning with revered Native American Elders in the early 1980”s. I taught myself how to create them. They are aesthetic expressions, not traditional forms. They are made with the highest intentions of imbuing power into a sacred artifact for healing. A Rattle purifies energetic fields, like rain.

I begin by allowing myself to hear the calling of the material itself and go in search for the wood and gourd. Hard shell gourds are used. Whenever possible I grow my own. The inside of the gourd is completely scraped out.  The wood is carved so that it exactly fits into the gourd. The materials direct the expression. Sometimes I have a situation or person in mind that it is to serve, and that also directs the flow of expression. There are many possible art materials I choose from: oil paints, interference pigments, leather, mica, feathers, gold leaf, and beads. The beadwork is embroidery or peyote stitch, sewing one bead at a time. These steps take a lot of time and require patience.  When I am intuitive and connected with the rattle the next step in the process reveals itself.

Every step is conducted prayerfully. If I become tired or it feels tedious, I put it down until I feel enthusiasm again. When it is complete I have a ceremony to purify it and bless the contents with prayers as I put it inside. If I am making it for someone they may have significant contents to use. Usually I use anthill pebbles, as they make a clear sound and I admire ants and feel that the pebbles resonate a cooperative frequency. I say prayers for the highest good. When a person acquires a rattle they can empower it with their own special intentions. Finally I join the handle to the gourd with prayers for balance.