"North American Indigenous Peoples Used Turtle Shells" Topic

…. as Symbolic Musical Instruments.

"According to a new study published in the journal PLoS ONE, turtles served as more than tasty treats for Native American tribes throughout North America; in fact, turtle shells were used as rattles and other musical instruments.

Music is an important part of many cultures in ways we may not realize," said Dr. Tanya Peres, a researcher in the Department of Anthropology at Florida State University.

"Musical instruments have a deep ancient history in human society and are encoded with meanings beyond their sound making capabilities."…."

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Amicalement
Armand

I recall being shown an Iroquois rattle made out of the shell of a snapping turtle. The rattle effect was the turtle's bones bouncing around inside the shell. I must have seen this in the primary school, mid-1970's

This isn't news to me.

Those in the picture look more like land tortoises.

And yes, I seen rattles and many other instruments made out of their shells.

Dan

Southwestern indians used hollow gourds for rattles. And, every culture has used music for religious purposes as well as simple entertainment.

Dave

Perhaps they were also used as substitutes for the coconut bra!

Dan

Glad you enjoyed it my friend!.

Amicalement
Armand