Kah-To-To-Hay (rattle)

Art Historical Context

Nestled in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, the *Kah-To-To-Hay* rattle hails from the Sioux or Dakota tribe of the 19th century. Measuring 49.5 cm long, this striking idiophone—classified as a shaken rattle—serves as a vital tool in Native American musical and ceremonial traditions. Its name, evocative of its resonant sound, underscores its role in evoking rhythm and spirit during communal gatherings. Crafted from an eclectic array of materials—horn for the body, brass and porcelain beads for percussion, rawhide for binding, and cloth accents—th...