Rattles are an integral part of Native American ceremonial culture; they are made in all regions of the country from local materials.

This rattle is made from a turtle shell bound with very thin hide to allow it to hold the stone, seeds, or shells that make the sound when moved about.

The handle is wood with the dried turtle head attached. The handle is covered with red cloth. This rattle is probably from western Great Lakes or eastern Plains areas and dates from about the 1880s.