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Requires Photography
Vessel rattle (kanyáhte' ká'nowa')
Native American, Seneca
19th century
Object Place: New York State, United States, Northeast
Medium/Technique
Turtle shell, elm wood
Dimensions
Length 43.3 cm, width 17.5 cm, thickness 6.5 cm (length 17 1/16 in., width 6 7/8 in., thickness 2 9/16 in.)
Credit Line
Leslie Lindsey Mason Collection
Accession Number17.2233
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAmericas, Musical Instruments
ClassificationsMusical instruments – Idiophones
DescriptionShell of snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) with leg openings sewn shut with sinew and other cordage. Neck stretched out to form handle supported by three splints of ash (?) and wrapped with cotton cord and twine; head serves as knob at end. Chokecherry pips (?) inside.
ProvenanceFrancis W. Galpin (b. 1858 - d. 1945), Hatfield Regis, England; 1916, sold by Francis W. Galpin to William Lindsey (b. 1858 - d. 1922), Boston; 1916, gift of William Lindsey to the MFA. (Accession Date: October 5, 1916)