Crécelle cérémonielle de chaman ,Tlingit,Alaska, Côte nord-ouest

sculptée en deux parties, représentant un huîtrier pie en vol, identifiable à son long cou coudé et à son bec effilé. Il porte un chaman et un(e) sorcier(e) aux bras attachés dans le dos, leurs mains jointes, les regards tournés vers le ciel, adossés à une grande tête de bouc aux cornes rejetées vers l'arrière. Les yeux sont sertis de nacre, les détails rehaussés de noir, rouge et vert, la poignée recouverte de peau.

Collection privée, New Jersey
Sotheby's, New York, novembre 1980, n° 343
Collection privée, New York

The rattle is in very good original condition with typical wear for its age.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
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cf. Maurer (1977 : 311, fig. 494), Siebert et Forman (1967, pl. 57, n^o 211-2), Sotheby's (New York, mai 2006, n° 23) pour des hochets offrant une iconographie comparable, sculptés en forme d'huîtrier pie, et Vaughan et Holm (1982 : 120 – 121, n^o 82 et 83) pour d'autres, et pour une note sur leur signification.

Le hochet en forme d'huîtrier pie appartenait exclusivement aux chamans. Selon Vaughan et Holm (idem) l'huîrier pie noir (Haematopus bachmani) est associé aux chamans pour son apparence à la fois simple et mystérieuse (plumage noir, bec rouge feu et yeux cerclés de jaune), pour son sifflement strident et son comportement furtif. Associée à la représentation de cet oiseau apparaît souvent – comme ici sur le dos – la tête d'un monstre étrange, souvent désignée comme un "ours" ou une "chèvre" du fait de ses longues cornes recourbées. Toutefois, ses yeux ronds, sa truffe, sa lèvre courbe et sa langue s'étirant parfois vers le haut évoquent un monstre surnaturel inconnu.

A propos d'un hochet à l'iconographie similaire, les auteurs (idem :  n^o 82) écrivent : "Ce hochet illustre un thème classique - celui du recours à la torture afin d'arracher au sorcier des aveux d'ensorcellement. Un chaman, agenouillé à l'arrière, a noué les longs cheveux du sorcier à ses mains (attachées dans le dos). L'accusé restait dans cette position pendant 8 à 10 jours, ou jusqu'à ce qu'il se confesse".

A Tlingit shaman's ceremonial dance rattle, Alaska, Northwest Coast

See Maurer (1977: 311, fig. 494), Siebert and Forman (1967, pl. 57, no. 211-2), Sotheby's (New York, May 2006, no 23) for comparable oyster catcher rattles, and Vaughan and Holm (1982: 120 – 121, nos. 82 & 83) for further examples and a note on their significance.

Oystercatcher rattles, so called for the bird which the carvings represent, were the exclusive property of shamans.  According to Vaughan and Holm (ibid.), the black oystercatcher (Haematopus bachmani) is well suited to its association with shamans. Its appearance alone – black body, fire-red beak and yellow rimmed eyes– make it seem unworldly and mysterious. Add the piercing, whistling call and furtive habits and it is manifestly a shaman's bird. Oyster catcher rattles are usually elaborated with clusters of carved figures on the bird's back often the head of a strange monster, as in the offered rattle. The head is often considered to be that of a bear, or a goat, as a result of the long, curved horns found on many examples. However, its round eyes and snout and curled lip, along with the sometimes upward-extended tongue suggest some unknown and super­natural monster.

Discussing a rattle which shares a similar subject to the offered example, Vaughan and Holm (ibid., no. 82) note that 'this rattle illustrates a common theme-the torture of a witch to extract a confession of sorcery. A shaman, kneeling behind, has tied the witch's long hair to his hands (which have been secured behind his back). The accused was kept in this position for 8 to 10 days or until he confessed'.