If you love Native American rattles, you will definitely benefit from adding them to your drumming circles and powwows. Jingle bells are great Native American icons that represent indigenous tribes and their unique culture. They are also among the most popular musical instruments to be played in ceremonial rituals in various Indian tribes. Jingle bells, for many years and for most American Indians, have always played an important role in the spiritual connection with the creator, as well as for use in public gatherings.
As you read about the intriguing history of American Indians and their use of Native American rattles, you will find that they are symbolic among indigenous tribes and are essential to the tribal ceremony in which they are used. They are said to symbolize the animal, plant and mineral kingdoms. The animal kingdom is exemplified in the shape of the bell’s decorative bowl or feather. The mineral kingdom is represented by the rocks that create the sound or also by the paint used for the artwork represented on the rattle. And, the plant kingdom is symbolized by the mango.
As you study the Native American uses of rattles and how they are played, you will learn that virtually all Indian tribes and cultures, including the Navajo culture, play rattles in their ceremonies. Among the many types of Indian rattles, along with the popular gourd rattles and tortoise shell rattles, the simple rawhide rattle is the most widely used among Native American tribes. The images, such as the Navajo bear or the Navajo eagle, used in the artwork placed on the bells, differ from tribe to tribe. You will find it interesting that the different tribes, including the Cherokee, Navajo, Apache, Pueblo, Zuni, and Hopi, can be identified by the variations of beautiful art in their crafts. One thing these tribes have in common is that they all play rattles in many ceremonial events and as part of music, dance, medicine, and spirituality.
Native rattles are really very attractive and are made from various natural materials such as tortoise shell, leather, rawhide, beads and Native American feathers. Fur, fringe, seeds, rocks, antlers, horns, bones, and shells are used to create that unique Indian style. Mud beads, blue corn, manzanita seeds or small smooth stones like those found in the mouth of an anthill are also sometimes placed in the bells to give it the desired sound.
The natives have always used music, songs, stories and legends to express their beliefs and cultural customs to each other and to the outside world. It is in harmony with these ways of learning that the bells have become an important part of the ceremonies and rituals of the indigenous peoples.
That is the reason why there is nothing more exciting than owning authentic Indian musical instruments and handicrafts. You can easily buy Indian rattles online and also in stores that sell rustic decor. If you are fascinated with authentic Indian musical instruments, or are looking for the right instrument to use for your percussion ceremonies, you will definitely be drawn to the unique sound of Native American rattles.