Music and dance help to celebrate the gift of life, health, friendship, and good times.  The water drum and cowhorn rattle were and are the principle musical instruments for Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) singers.

Music and dance bring the Haudenosaunee community together.  In the Longhouse Religion, the people dance to give thanks to the Creator.  In social dancing, friends and family, Haudenosaunee and non-Haudenosaunee dance together for enjoyment and to reinforce relationships.  Social dancing can take place at the Longhouse or at any gathering. 

COW HORN RATTLES are commonly used to produce the rhythm for song and dance. They can be either hit against the palm of the hand or shaken.  Cow horn rattles were not made until after European contact. Bark rattles were used before  cows were introduced to the Iroquois. Rattles were filled with dried corn, small stones, or metal balls to create the sound.  

WATER  DRUMS are often used with the cowhorn rattle to produce the rhythms for dance and song. Water is placed inside the drum, and great care must be taken so that the water will not dry up, the wood dry, and the drum split. The drum is tipped regularly to wet the skin to maintain its tightness and proper tone.