Rattles, are often used to accompany drums and to help keep rhythm during tribal dances or ceremonies. Made of many types of materials, inside are seeds, rocks, or shells to give the rattle its’ sound.

Rattles are often beautifully decorated and painted to depict sacred animals or tell stories.
The rattles represent the three kingdoms in Native American Indian belief. These are animal, which is represented by the casing or feather decorations, mineral, which is represented by the rocks used for sound or the paint, and finally, plant, represented by the wooden handle. The sound the rattles make is believed to help clear the mind and bring peace. Some cultures even believe that the music from the rattle can heal our bodies of ailments.