Boeotian rattle (Ure inv. no. 34.10.15)

Rattles are a class of percussion instrument similar to bells. It is likely that adults used these rattles to soothe babies and very young children. This terracotta rattle from Boeotia still contains a pebble that rattles when shaken. Rattles could be decorated with figural scenes, but some were shaped like animals. Pig-shaped rattles, such as one in the J. Paul Getty Museum, recall animals sacrificed to Greek deities, especially Persephone and her mother Demeter, in return for protection of children. Rattles, like bells, may have comforted children on their journey to the Underworld or as a way to ward off evil spirits.

For more information see http://uremuseum.org/cgi-bin/ure/uredb.cgi?rec=34.10.15

For more information on the rattle soundclip see https://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/archives/view/romaninst_ahrc_2020/index.cfm

Sound file created by Ellen Swift, Lloyd Bosworth, Frank Walker

© University of Kent