Art in Non-Western Society the Term Paper

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Turtle shell rattles have been used for countless centuries. Such rattles have been recovered from ancient sites in the southwest and in the Mississippian civilizations.

The turtle rattle was also a musical instrument in ceremonial use. One of its most important functions was its significance in the False Face ceremonies. One of the most distinguishing features of the Iroquois belief system is the reliance on the mask for religious and ritual purposes. These masks are often designated as False Faces. This term refers to the first False Face and the mythical origins of protective and healing spirits. They are used in introductory and agricultural rituals. The turtle rattles play a significant part in these important rituals.

In the various curing and healing rituals, the wearer of the False Face will juggle hot coals and use ash and is apparently immune to cold (see below), and he bears a turtle-shell rattle to shake at the person being cured.
No Irouk medicine man can do any healing or curing without the rattle and the False Face.

The turtle rattle is therefore integrated with the overall understanding of the origin myths of the Iroquois Indians. The turtle rattle is also seen as a powerful object in its own right and not just a decorative or musical piece. "The turtle is very powerful. The rattle is used to frighten away disease. It is said to be the noise of the Thunders.

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