Artwork copyright Ben Della. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Artwork copyright Ben Della. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Bird Rattle, 1984

Ben Della
American Makah (born 1948)

Location: Washington State Arts Commission, Olympia

About the Artwork

Bird Rattle is a hand-carved sculpture created by Makah artist Ben Della in the Coast Salish tradition in Neah Bay, Washington. He notes that his design is unique but based on old structures and methods of carving.

This artwork is part of Beyond Blue Mountains, a collection that was curated by late Tlingit (Native Alaskan) artist Jim Schoppert. It presents the work of Native American artists of diverse heritage, ideas, materials, and styles. The collection takes an in-depth look at the artists’ unique voices and interpretations of tradition.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Washington State Arts Commission.

About the Artist

Native American Makah artist Ben Della creates hand-carved artworks in the Coast Salish tradition. He is based in Neah Bay, on the Olympic Peninsula in Northwestern Washington.