Ohkay Owingeh (San Juan Pueblo) Wood Rasping Stick [SOLD]

This rasping stick set features a notched stick with a human figure attached to one end and the solid stick with a hummingbird perched on one end.  The stick with the hummingbird is rubbed against the notched stick to form a rasping sound imitating thunder.

Rasping sticks are generally used by women during pueblo dance ceremonies.  They kneel on the ground and rub the solid stick against the notched stick to produce a rasping sound to simulate the sound of thunder.  As with so many pueblo items, the intent is to bring rain.  Dancers will be dancing at the same time as a plea for rain.  Rasping sticks, gourd rattles, and drums are means for increasing the chance for rain.

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: from the personal collection of Chuck and Jan Rosenak, collectors and authors of Navajo folk art.

Recommended Reading:  Rain: Native Expressions from the American Southwest by Ann Marshall