I am not an expert in Native American beadwork, but have been lucky to find a couple of old beaded hide Sioux balls over the years, and upon spotting this rattle in a fairly unlikely place believed it to be the same--and indeed, a little research makes me sure of it. (I have found a fair number of figural "amulets" out there of a very similar manner, though rattles seem much scarcer.) Made for a child's hand, with these wonderful bright eyes, red cheeked beadwork face, and what I believe is black horsehair pulled through tin cones. Mid 20th century or so, believe.
4 3/4" l not including leather handle loop. Overall very good condition, with general light wear and aging, including some black staining to the beads (photos shot with 2-3 times magnification, in hand it just reads as general patina, to the good) and a bit of white thread showing through the beading here and there (not loose.) Very sound and not fragile.
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