Contemporary Instruments
Box Turtle Shell Rattle
This box turtle shell rattle was made by Native American musician, Tommy Wildcat. Made of wood and shell, Wildcat's methods and materials used to create this instrument are consistent with methods historically used by indigenous people in North America. Turtle shell rattles are now often made by indigenous people as "instruments of independence", with the instruments representing what is called "the three kingdoms" (Indians.org, 2018). The three kingdoms turtle shells represent are the animal, mineral, and plant kingdom
Tommy Wildcat is a full-blood citizen of the Cherokee Nation. He majored in Cherokee Cultural Studied, and since 1995 has released four musical albums through A Warrior's Production. Wildcat using traditional methods of instrument creation shows that sometimes, even in a changing environment, traditional practices and methods are kept.
Desert Thunder (Drum)
This drum was made by U.S. Army's 120th Engineer Combat Battalion, led by Sergeant Debra K. Mooney of the Choctaw Nation. On this drum there are four thunderbirds. Thunderbirds are legendary creatures part of the mythology of many Native American groups. Some believe that myths of these birds originate from thousands of years ago when humans in the Americas coexisted with giant birds, such as Argentavis magnificens.
This drum is made of materials including metal, plastic and commercially tanned leather. These materials show how Native American craftsmanship has adapted to the changing landscape of globalization to utilize mass produced goods sold on global markets.
A Tribe Called Red
A Tribe Called Red is a Canadian music group made of members of First Peoples nations. The name was created in homage to A Tribe Called Quest, a hip hop group that wrote about African American social grievances. Likewise, this group addresses the social grievances of Native American with highly political messages such as, "we are not a conquered people".
The music produced by A Tribe Called Red is influenced by reggae, hip hop, and dubstep. The music also incorporates elements of First Nations music with vocal chanting and drumming. This music shows how Native Americans use modern mediums of art and music for self determination.