Rattles have multiple identities. They're divine gifts, markers of identity, tools of magical intent, and musical instruments. They're said to contain the voices of spirits who activate the healing properties and spiritual essences of herbs, beads, stones, and contain other, magical items. In Iroquois medicine societies, the sound of a rattle is described as the sound, or thoughts, of the Creator. The making of shamanic rattles is a long process. Just like drums, they're crafted carefully and with respect.