Osage. <em>Peyote Gourd</em>, late 19th–early 20th century. Gourd, glass beads, metal, feathers, brass, sinew, nut or seed, cork, 27 9/16 x 2 3/4 in. (70 x 7 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Museum Expedition 1911, Museum Collection Fund, 11.694.9059. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 11.694.9059_PS2.jpg)

Peyote Gourd

Artist:Osage

Medium: Gourd, glass beads, metal, feathers, brass, sinew, nut or seed, cork

Dates:late 19th–early 20th century

Dimensions: 27 9/16 x 2 3/4 in. (70 x 7 cm)

Collections:

Exhibitions:

Accession Number: 11.694.9059

Image: 11.694.9059_PS2.jpg,

Catalogue Description:
Gourd rattle painted with a red zigzag line that represents the crown of thorns. The handle is worked with beads that represent lightning, divided into two parts by a band in the middle. The lower part of this band represents earth and the upper the sky, illustrating man ascending into heaven. The metal heart attached to the handle reads “Behold the heart of Jesus is with me." Stewart Culin purchased this rattle from Saucy Calf who explained the symbolism to Francis La Flesche. It would have been used in what is now the Native American Church.

Brooklyn Museum