Ancestor's Wisdom Rattle Making

Rattles have been used by shamans and priestesses for centuries to direct energy, broadcasting prayer and intention into the non-physical world using sound vibration as the medium. A rattle can assist one into a trance state, it can invoke the assistance of power animals, helping spirits or ancestors. Or, more simply, rattles can be used as a supportive percussion instrument to accompany the deeper tones of a drum. Rattles are easy to play, perfect for all levels and all ages. Rattles are intuitively played, without any need for formal practice. This is shown by the delight of a baby when handed a rattle as its first instrument.

In this two-part workshop, you will create a custom rattle for yourself using elk medicine. You decide:

-size

-shape

-decoration

-and sound (what you fill it with, and how much you use)