Ohkay Owingeh Wood Rasping Sticks [SOLD]

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.

This rasping stick is in the form of a horse with a katsina face attached to the stem.  The notched stick also has a katsina face attached.  The item is signed with the name C. Aguino and came from Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo.  The age is unknown.

Condition: original 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