Ceremonial Gourd Rattles

Raymond's 15-inch rattles begin with him collecting a raw gourd. The gourd is washed and cleaned, then cut open and the seeds are cleaned out. Next, Raymond uses a pencil to trace a ceremonial pattern onto both sides of the gourd's surface. Using a Dremel tool, he carves a design made from deep, white lines into the surface. He then uses a small torch to burn a secondary layer of black and brown colors into the pattern. A spray lacquer is applied to seal the design. Dried corn, beans, and sometimes ball bearings are placed inside the gourd to create sounds. The gourd is then re-sealed using a hot glue gun.

Needing a handle for the rattle, Raymond searches the forests and hills in the surrounding neighborhood for a sturdy branch of discarded wood. Back in his studio, he smoothes out the branch. It is then inserted into the gourd and secured into place with more hot glue. Next, Raymond wraps the top and bottom of the rattle with colored leather. For the final touch, large pheasant feathers are glued atop the piece. The result is an authentic, functional ceremonial rattle with customized charm.