Native American rattles are very important percussion instruments. It's interesting to learn that there are ground rules connected with the use of rattles in the Native Indian culture.

Native American rattles produce an important sound for their tribal music. The rattle, when played along with the hand drum, gives a steady beating which inspires Native tribal music. Mostly, music is dependent on vocal styles and percussion and the rattles act as another important aspect to the whole musical repertoire. Normally, rules pertaining to gender are enforced. There may be a difference when it comes to the type of musical instruments that either a man or a woman may use. Turtle shell shackles are used primarily by women of the Southeastern Indian tribes during ceremonies.

In both ceremonies and rituals, the Native American rattle is used. A popular choice in rattles are those constructed with turtle shells. Both the gourd and rawhide rattles are perfect examples of Native American musical instruments. The patterns and symbols on the rattle will vary depending on the culture of the particular Indian tribe. Notable tribes like the Zuni and Apache have impeccable handcrafted decorations.

The Native American rattle is often seen decorated with various types of traditional items. Symbolic items such as shells, leather, beads, feathers, fur, rocks, seeds, horns, and bones can be found in Indian decorations. Typically, all of these elements resemble the deep appreciation and respect of Native American people for the environment and nature.

More can be found by understanding the different choices of Native American rattles. One should know that Native American rattles are constructed from raw materials that are taken from three kingdoms of our world. The animal kingdom would be represented by feathers as well as leather. Both the plant and mineral kingdom are well represented by the wood and rocks used to adorn the rattles.

Aside from the concept of nature, the decorative treatments are used by various Native American tribes to show meanings and representations of life. These rattles resonate to the spirituality as well as deep appreciation for tradition and being one with nature, art, music, medicine and dance. For a quiet time of meditation, the Native American rattle reduces stress and clears the mind.