Native American Prayer Stick Medicine Stick Spirit RAWHIDE Ceremony Shaker

Description

Attributed to the Great Plains Tribes, possibly the Cheyenne Tribe, this prayer stick (also referred to as spirit stick or medicine stick) with a circular rawhide top is part shaker instrument and is used was a medicine/prayer/dance instrument for ceremonial purposes. Commonly made from cedar, willow and cottonwood and decorated with paint, carvings and occasionally wrapped in rawhide or other leather materials The red markings are Native American designs. The red markings on the rawhide which appears to be hand stitched with a long wooden pole is covered with rawhide - the pole or handle is also decorated with red paint. The red markings are not completely distinguishable on the rawhide. Beads of sort embedded provide sounds emanating from the object when shaken. The symbolism associated with the colors used to paint and decorate the item was fundamental to the success of the event. The color red on your item symbolizes life, faith, and happiness.
Circa Early 20th Century.
Height
12inches
Diameter
4inches
Please ask questions prior to bidding.