Producer unknown to us
Dance rattle
Americas, Brazil, Rio Araguaya
Early 20th century
Calabash, wood, wax/resin, feathers; drilled, glued, painted.
From the 1950s to the 1970s, Erich Wustmann (ethnologist, author) undertook numerous expeditions and journeys to collect items for museums. He sold the acquired objects to the museums in Leipzig and Dresden.
Purchased by the museum from Wustmann in 1957
SAm 21501
This rattle was made from a small calabash (crescentia cujete) and a wooden handle. The rattles – probably dried fruit/seed kernels – were inserted through drilled holes. The handle was inserted through these holes as well, and then fastened with wax or resin. At the top of the handle, blue and yellow parrot feathers are attached. The calabash is painted in black and brown patterns.
Ethnologist and author Erich Wustmann (1907–1994) acquired this piece during an expedition in 1956.
Frank Usbeck