Native American cultures in the southwest of North America built their rain sticks from hollowed-out, dried cactus tubes, pushing cactus needles into the core to form an obstruction. Small pebbles were then placed inside and the ends of the cactus tube sealed. Flipping over the stick simulated the sound of a gentle shower of rain.

The rain stick remains in use today in Native American culture and is present for both sale and use at powwows and other tribal gatherings. It has also been adopted by non-indigenous cultures and is often utilized as a soothing tool for meditation and music production.