Crécelle cérémonielle de chef,Tlingit,Côte nord-ouest

en forme de corbeau, ouvragée en deux parties. Le ventre est finement incisé et gravé en champlevé d'une tête de faucon, tandis que le dos porte une figure de chaman inclinée, les jambes repliées, la langue projetée dans le bec de l'oiseau jaillissant devant lui. Polychromie noire, bleue et vermillon.

The rattle is in very good original condition with wear typical 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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Le hochet constitue l'un des attributs les plus importants du chaman. Le son qui s'en échappait - rythmant les chants, les danses et les psalmodies - attirait les esprits, quel que soit le lieu où il était utilisé.  

Généralement créés par les Tlingit, les hochets représentant des corbeaux – comme ici – sont les plus connus de la Côte nord-ouest. Selon Wardwell (1996 : 239), ces derniers étaient en particulier utilisés par les familles nobles, lors de cérémonies profanes. Quelques-uns furent découverts dans des tombes de chamans. En effet, les « 'hochets de chef' permettaient au chaman de révéler au public son appartenance à un haut rang social. Il faut également rappeler que le corbeau enseigna aux chamans et aux sorciers les secrets de leurs arts, aussi il semble logique que les chamans emploient un hochet mettant cet oiseau à l'honneur" (Swanton in Wardwell, idem). De surcroît, selon Vaughan et Holm (1982 : 124), le motif de la langue tirée – l'extrémité prise ici dans le bec d'un oiseau formé par la queue relevée - signifie, pour la plupart des spécialistes, une transmission ou un transfert de pouvoir. Cette iconographie laisse supposer que ce type de hochet fut vraisemblablement créé à l'origine pour un chaman.

A Tlingit ceremonial chief's rattle, Northwest Coast

The rattle was a very important piece of shamanic equipment throughout the Northwest Coast. Its sound provided rhythm for songs, dances, and chants, and attracted spirits to the séances. Wherever it was used, a supernatural presence was thought to be in attendance.

Raven rattles, such as the present example, were generally made by the Tlingit, and are the best known form of Northwest Coast rattle. According to Wardwell (1996: 239), raven rattles were used by wealthy families in secular ceremonies, although a few were found in shaman's graves. 'The use of "chief's rattles" proclaimed the shaman's high social rank to his public. It should also be remembered that raven taught both shamans and witches the secrets of their crafts, and it would therefore seem logical that shamans would employ a rattle depicting him during their performance' (Swanton in Wardwell, ibid.). According to Vaughan and Holm (1982: 124), most specialists believe that the protruding tongue held by a frog or, as in this example, in the beak of the 'tail-bird' signifies a communication or transfer of power. The iconography of the piece would perhaps suggest that this type of rattle was initially created for a shaman.