Vintage (1998) Authentic Native American Zuni Pueblo Dance Gourd Rattle Made by Christopher Lewis
I was given this genuine Zuni Pueblo Dance Rattle by the artist, Christopher J. Lewis, and his family for my birthday in 1998, during the 15 years we lived and worked at Zuni Pueblo in New Mexico. Christopher
lives in the village of Zuni Pueblo in southwest New Mexico. He is a member of the Badger Clan and a child of the Corn Clan.
Christopher hand painted this gourd with a traditional geometric design using black and red paint. The gourd and paint are still in excellent condition with no damage or cracks. The handle is wood. The gourd contains either dried corn kernels or dried beans that produce a soothing, tranquil sound. This is a truly unique vintage piece of Pueblo tradition that will add interest to your Native American art collection. The rattle is an example of exemplary craftsmanship by the artist. The rattle measures approximately 13 inches tall including handle and 7 inches at the gourd’s widest point. A true collector’s piece that you surely do not see every day. In addition to being a rattle maker, Christopher is also a traditional basket maker and has demonstrated his traditional crafts at the Mesa Verde Foundation, the Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum,
the
Museum of Northern Arizona, and at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. He also consulted with the Maxwell Museum where he generously shared knowledge about the varied techniques, uses, and meanings embedded within their collection of traditional Native American baskets.
Christopher is a Native Scholar on the Cedar Mesa Perishables Project
at the Mesa Verde Foundation
. He has studied ancient perishables such as baskets, textiles, wood, and feather work from the Greater Southwest housed in major museums.
Chris and his young son joined Cathy and me on a trip to Beijing, China where we made a presentation at the China Hall of Science and Technology in 2000.
The metal stand is included for no additional fee if the buyer wants it.
Artist: Christopher Lewis
Origin: Zuni Pueblo, New Mexico
Size:
13 inches tall including handle and 7 inches at its widest point
Genuine Native American Zuni Pueblo Gourd Rattle
Handmade and Hand Painted
Designs: Traditional Zuni patterns
Signed: Bear paw signature painted at the bottom and it has Chris’s name signed on the back