Hopi Yucca Rattle, Large, Coral, by Martina Martin (Hopi) SOLD

Bright coral contrasts with the natural white of the undyed yucca in this charming baby rattle by Martina Martin.  This unique piece would make a great addition to any basket collection, or a wonderful keepsake for a new baby.

These baby rattles are made in a process similar to the traditional Hopi sifters.  Yucca leaves are gathered, stripped of excess fibers, and then split into splints of even widths.  The outside of the split leaf is naturally a yellow to green color, and the inside almost white, providing contrast in the two directions of the plaiting. Sometimes they are dyed with natural or commercial dyes.  The splints are then plaited into a small square, woven loosely enough that it is flexible and leaving long, unwoven ends.  A bell is put into the center of the square, and then the unwoven edges of the square are pulled together into a bundle so that the bell is on the inside, and the bundle of ends is wrapped to form the handle of the rattle.

Length 6.5"