Hopi Large Blue Gourd Rattle [SOLD]

This Hopi dance rattle is one that we acquired recently from a collector here in Santa Fe. This large blue rattle is made from a dried gourd that has been painted with blue paint and covered with traditional Hopi designs. Before the hand carved handle was inserted into the gourd, several small stones were placed inside.

A four armed cross surmounts the top of the gourd and is painted in black with a white outline. There is a white band across each arm of the cross.   There is a one inch white band bordered in black below the center line of the gourd. This white band has alternating blue blocks within. Each white quadrant has black diagonal lines along its left hand side.

Condition: This is an older dance rattle, perhaps from the 1940’s -1950’s. It does show signs or abrasion and use, but is in overall very good condition.

Provenance: from a collector in Santa Fe

Recommended Reading: Hopi material culture: Artifacts gathered by H. R. Voth in the Fred Harvey Collection by Barton Wright