The lot features a rare parfleche dance rattle from the Gros Venre Atsina Native American Indians of Montana dating to the early to mid 20th Century. The piece would have been used for the Star Dance, a dance that was one of the rich ceremonies unique to the Gros Ventre Indians. E.S. Curtis was the first to document the “Star Dance” and recorded it on a wax cylinder at Fort Belknap Indian Reservation Montana in 1907. The dance is very sacred and items pertaining to it very scarce. The piece shows a Great American Bison Buffalo rawhide parfleche with spotted mineral ocher dyed design on a stripped wood handle with rawhide wrap. At the base of the handle shows two pieces of stripped red Stroud trade clothe. The rattle is sinew sewn into the iconic circle rattle design and when shaken many objects can be heard, creating a unique and desirable noise. Measures overall 12”L with an additional 6”L trade clothe fringe and is 5.25”W x 1 3/8” thick. Star Dance rattles are very scarce with another example being valued at $3,650 in a 2016 sale. For a complete representation of condition and for additional images please call 800-686-4216. It is the buyer’s responsibility to view each image and preview the item to determine condition.