Owl Bird Calabash Christmas tree ornament and hand rattle

These unique Christmas tree ornaments and rattles are made from calabash tree pods (gourds) by native artisans from the Ampiyacu River region of the Peruvian Amazon.  This rattle features figures of several types of owls - the iconic birds of prey of the night.

The tropical screech owl is a medium size raptor found in many parts of South and Central America.  Its upward-facing ears are similar to the horned owls found throughout North America.  Its color can vary from greyish-brown to brown or rufous.  The pygmy owl represents one of the thirty-some varieties of small tropical owls (sometimes called "owlets") whose rounded head lacks the extended ears. 

While these owls feed mostly on insects and other invertebrates (worms, scorpions and spiders), it also catches snakes, frogs, small birds and mammals. It vigorously defends its young by laying on its back and lashing out at a would-be intruder with its claws.     

This rattle has a chambira palm fiber chord allows it to be hung from a Christmas tree.  The beads inside also make it a great rattle that fits in the palm of your hand. 

Please remember that the artisan carves these rattles one at a time so the exact design of the animal and shape of the calabash pod may vary from the photo shown of this model.

Models: ORWB049 (tropical screech owl), ORWB060 (pygmy owl)

Also see: Owl Balsa Wood Ornament