Hand Made Native American Indian Ceremonial Rattle

From the artist
Cynthia Whitehawk

"Spider Woman, creator and weaver of life, is the Great Teacher, protector and Mother of all creation. She manifests as Sacred Guardian, overseeing the welfare of all those in need. Spider Woman spun two silver strands, one connecting east to west, the other north to south. This connected the four corners of the earth, with Spider Woman as the center. The strands created the Road of Life in the Hopi tradition, which has as its symbol the equal-armed cross. In her aspect as Creator and Mother, Spider Woman affirms that women are essential and central to the life process. She reminds us that people of all races were created from the same source, with equal rights and responsibilities.

"To Indigenous Cultures of the Americas & Canada, shakers or rattles represent rain (for Prayers of thanks, abundance & prosperity) and tears, especially those of emotional release. Tears of joy signifying when the mind, body, soul & Spirit connect. Ceremonially, rattles are used in cleansing and purifying, Spiritual guidance work & in thanks & respect to Ancestral Spirits.

"For your Spiritual Journey...retreat, gathering, Drum Circle, Pow Wow, Dances, Ceremonies, Special Occasions, & Vision Quests. This is truly original, made with attention to detail, durability, authenticity & ceremony. When carving, painting & wood burning, I use a free-hand technique that allows for the enrichment of inspiration (no tracings, decals, or factory items here!).

"I have been blessed to work as healer, musician, artist, & professional audio technician. With ancestors of healers, artists, & musicians, sound has always been very important to me, and I strive consistently to make a more vivid sounding rattle, drums, rain sticks & chimes, always combining the visual arts with audio, as both are very important in healing. Much of my ceremonial art is done on a small scale, with the gourd being a small three dimensional canvas with a dual purpose: ie: the rattle. This particular rattle uses techniques of pyrography, carving, painting, use of dyes & sealer to bring you a long lasting, ceremonial as well as art work."