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Pig Rattle
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Pig Rattle



 

Infants in ancient Greece traditionally played with rattles made of terracotta (fired clay) and filled with dried seeds or small pellets of clay. When shaken, the rattle produced a sound that not only amused infants but was also believed by the ancient Greeks to ward off evil. Many rattles were made in the shapes of pigs and other animals.

Ancient baby feeders, called bombylios, were also frequently shaped like pigs. The representation of pigs in children's items like rattles and feeders may have had magical connotations. It was a custom in ancient Sparta, for example, to sacrifice piglets to the gods in exchange for their protection over infants. Baby feeders typically contained little holes for hanging above a child's bed. The feeders also had small spouts for tails, out of which the babies could drink.

The shapes and decorations of both rattles and feeders made over two thousand years ago inspired this rattle. Not safe for children under three years old.

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