| TURTLE SHELL RATTLES Rattles made of tortoise and turtle shells were used by many of the tribes. The large shells were used as containers for pebbles, with the skull forming part of the handle. Smaller shells were used as leg rattles. To make the toroise or turtle shell rattle, a shell of any size may be used. Clean it out thoroghly and sprinkle the inside with alum and allow it to cure in the sun. From soft wood cut a paddle- shaped peice to form a plug for the smaller opeing of the shell and also the handle. Slip this in place through the opening in the opposite end of the shell, nicely fitting it by careful whittling. When it is in place, burn two holes on each side through the upper and lower shells and through the handle. A thong is passed through these and tied underneath to hold the handle in place. The other end of the shell is closed with a strip of rawhid, cut to fit, and sewn in place by means of small holes burned in its edges and those of the upper and lower levels. Pebbles or corn are used inside for rattles. For a turtle leg rattle, which is worn above the calf of the leg, a turtle shell from four to six inches long is used. Holes are made in the center of one side of the shell, on both the upper and under sides, spaced an inch and a half apart. A stout thong, such as rawhide shoelace, is drawn through these holes and knotted on the under sides to prevent its slipping through. The ends of the lace should be long enough to go around the leg, as they are to hold the rattle in place. Prepare six or eight chicken bones, on inch long, as described for the stick rattle, except that they should be fastened in pairs to a thong about four inches long. These thongs are looped over the rawhide lace on the front of the rattle. Indains also use strings of sleigh bells for leg rattle today. These can be bought from mail order or from your local trading post. |
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