Snapping Turtle Shell Rattle

Snapping Turtle Shell Rattle
Kanyáhte’ ká’nowa’ (Snapping turtle shell rattle) given to Joe, with his autographed tag attached. Late 19th Century, 21" x 9 1/2".
From the Met Museum: Small turtle shell rattles are frequently used by Native Americans. However, the shells of large snapping turtles were originally used by Seneca and Iroquois singers during the Great Feather Dance and in healing rituals of the False Face Company. Iroquois mythology maintains that the earth rests on the back of a turtle